Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary has become known for a few media appearances as of late. Recently, he got involved in a discussion on CNN. However, things took a turn during the debate between O’Leary and another panelist.
Kevin O’Leary Made An Appearance On CNN’s NewsNight
O’Leary is a Canadian businessman who co-founded SoftKey Software Products. He became known to many for his work with the American series Shark Tank and the Canadian Dragons’ Den.
Recently, O’Leary appeared on CNN’s NewsNight. However, things took a turn after he disagreed on a point made by fellow panelist Bakari Sellers.
During the episode, the Shark Tank star interrupted a point Sellers was trying to make concerning a discussion about the GOP’s redistricting pushes, launched by a Supreme Court decision. Sellers, who served four terms in South Carolina’s House of Representatives, felt that the decision brought to mind previous attempts to suppress Black voters.
For his part, O’Leary expressed, “I think everybody should take confidence in the fact the Supreme Court basically supported one vote, one person, guaranteed in perpetuity, and the rest is just map wars… Get over it.” However, Sellers continued to make historical parallels, while being critical of O’Leary’s age, “The problem with that sentiment is that you were born in 1954. You’re 71. In 1954, during your lifetime, we actually had Brown v. Board of Education…”
Things Reached A Point When Host Abby Phillip Chimed In, Asking Everyone To ‘Resettle’
This was the point at which O’Leary interrupted. Attempting to return to his point, Sellers continued, “So there is an entire generation of people — Brown v. Board, it overturned Plessy v. Ferguson of 1896…”
O’Leary, however, asked Sellers to get to his point. Sellers continued, highlighting his parents, sharing that his mother helped to desegregate schools and that his father was shot during the civil rights movement.
O’Leary still felt that Sellers was beating around the bush, causing Sellers to snap, “I’m going to finish because you’re being utterly disrespectful… What I’m telling you is that there are people in this country who fought, died, and bled for the right to vote. Don’t be a d***. Just understand.”
For his part, O’Leary replied, “I’m not a d***,” feeling that Sellers was questioning the Constitution being upheld. CNN host Abby Phillip then jumped in, saying, “Hold on a second. Bakari, I’m going to stop you, because I just want everybody to reset with a modicum of respect at this table. Please stop, okay?”
Sellers: I’m going to finish because you’re being utterly disrespectful. Don’t be a dick.
O’Leary: I’m not a dick pic.twitter.com/F1IoQYSa1b
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 12, 2026
What is your reaction to this recent discussion on CNN’s NewsNight? Have you been keeping up with Shark Tank? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.