Fox News host Sean Hannity defended MSNBC's Joy Reid on Friday amid scrutiny over newly surfaced blog posts of hers promoting conspiracy theories and offensive content, arguing that she should not be fired and that she be "given a chance to make it right."

"It's good to see Joy (who is no fan of mine) starting to take responsibility for her past remarks," Hannity said in a statement. "My suggestion is that she follows up with the groups and people who she offended, and learn from all of this. Her apology should be accepted, and she should be given a chance to make it right and not fired."

Hannity said he was trying to set an example by forgiving the "AM Joy" host, whose now-defunct blog gave credence to 9/11 conspiracy theories and anti-Semitism, and smeared public figures including Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

"Someone needs to take the lead in cable news and stop the 'crush them, fire them, and destroy hosts you may disagree with' environment. I guess as the number one rated host in cable, I'll start," he said.

MSNBC has apologized for the "obviously hateful and hurtful" posts written by Reid more than a decade ago. Reid has said that her positions on issues have changed greatly since her blogging days.

"I am a believer in the freedom of speech for all Americans. I am also a believer in second chances," Hannity said.