Fred "Gopher" Grandy Criticizes Muslims, Loses Radio Gig

Former Congressman and "The Love Boat" actor Fred Grandy is out of his job as a radio host in Washington, D.C. after criticizing Muslims. But the question remains -- did he quit or was he fired?

Grandy and his wife, Catherine, who is known on the air as "Mrs. Fred," hosted the morning show on WMAL. According to a report in London's Daily Mail, Grandy told the group Accuracy in Media, "My wife and I have used our program over the last several months to warn about the spread of radical Islam at home and abroad.

"Last week, Catherine delivered a very tough indictment against stealth jihad, and for her efforts she was told she was off the show. I then told management without Mrs. Fred at the microphone, I could not remain either and have resigned effective this morning."

While Grandy claims he was forced out, WMAL insists that he resigned on his own. "Fred Grandy has informed WMAL of his intention to resign from the station and its morning program, The Grandy Group," a spokesman said.

Grandy's supporters say WMAL gave in to pressure from the Muslim lobbying group Council on American Islamic-Relations (CAIR), to which its Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper responded, "What is the evidence for that claim?"

Grandy has no evidence, either, saying, "We cannot affirmatively conclude CAIR or any of the prominent Islamic organizations had anything to do with this."

Although he added, "We do know, however, in 2005 representatives of CAIR in D.C. were successful in getting mid-morning host Michael Graham fired for anti-Islamic statements he had made on the radio and TV."

Grandy was elected as a Republican Congressman from Iowa in 1986. He lost his seat in 1994. But he is best known, of course,for playing the lovable purser "Gopher" on the "The Love Boat" for nine seasons.