Two RNC attendees removed for taunting black camerawoman

Two attendees were removed from the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night after throwing nuts at an African-American camera operator for cable network CNN and taunting, "This is how we feed animals."

CNN confirmed the incident in a statement Wednesday morning.

"CNN can confirm there was an incident directed at an employee inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum earlier this afternoon," the statement read. "CNN worked with convention officials to address this matter and will have no further comment.”

It is not yet clear what role the individuals who were removed played at the convention, although organizers did confirm their ejection in a statement.

“Two attendees tonight exhibited deplorable behavior," said convention spokesman Kyle Downey. "Their conduct was inexcusable and unacceptable. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated."

Republicans had hoped that elements of their Tuesday program — including an emphasis on the economy and a prominent speaking role for former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis (Ala.), an African-American — could help boost support among blacks.