Charles Barkley's CNN show continues struggling as comments targeting Black Trump voters ignite backlash

NBC Hall of Famer Charles Barkley bashed supporters of former President Donald Trump on CNN on Wednesday, calling them a "group of nutty people."

Former NBA superstar Charles Barkley's new gig as a CNN host is not panning out among viewers as he ignited backlash for comments he made about Black Trump supporters. 

Barkley's weekly CNN primetime program "King Charles," co-hosted by Gayle King, has only shed viewers since its debut in November, averaging well below 500,000 total viewers. "King Charles" averaged only 457,000 total viewers this past Wednesday.

The show rarely generates major headlines for the liberal network, but it did receive negative attention during its special broadcast on Saturday when Barkley threatened to assault any Black Trump supporter sporting his mugshot on their clothes. 

NBA HALL OF FAMER CHARLES BARKLEY THREATENS ANY BLACK PERSON FLAUNTING DONALD TRUMP'S MUGSHOT

"If I see a Black person walking around with a Trump mugshot, I’m gonna punch him in the face."

King quickly tried to shut it down, saying, "You don't mean that." Barkley was quick to retort.

"Oh, I mean that sincerely!" he said. 

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is struggling to draw viewers to his weekly CNN program "King Charles" co-hosted by Gayle King. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Barkley's comments were in response to remarks former President Trump made to a group of Black conservatives, suggesting he has earned more support among Black voters after he was hit with 91 indictments.

"You see Black people walking around with my mugshot – you know they do shirts," Trump said to the crowd. 

The CNN host said it was insulting for Trump to compare his criminal charges to the plight of Black people under the justice system.