Former MSNBC anchor Joy Reid is not walking away from her departure quietly.
The veteran journalist, known for her fiery commentary and unapologetic stance on political issues, is reportedly furious over the network’s decision to cancel her show, The ReidOut. Her program, which had been a staple on MSNBC since 2020, was abruptly pulled off the air
following what insiders are calling a secretive meeting between key MSNBC figures,
including Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, and Nicole Wallace. This clandestine gathering, according to reports, was an effort to challenge the network’s shift away from its traditionally liberal leanings. The final episode of The ReidOut aired on February 25, leaving many of her loyal viewers and colleagues shocked by the sudden termination.
Reid, who has been a prominent voice in political media for over a decade, has built a reputation for taking strong positions on controversial topics, particularly concerning former President Donald Trump. Her outspoken nature is believed to have put her at odds with MSNBC executives, who were allegedly seeking to moderate the network’s tone to attract a broader audience. One insider revealed to RadarOnline: “She’s livid, and she knows everything. She’s ready to burn the house down.” The source added that Reid, who has been associated with MSNBC for more than ten years, has no intention of going quietly. “MSNBC wants her to sign an NDA, but that’s not going to happen. If they think they are going to silence her, they better think again.”
The news of Reid’s dismissal sent shockwaves through the network, prompting reactions from several of her peers. MSNBC’s newly appointed president, Rebecca Kutler, issued a statement acknowledging Reid’s contributions: “Joy Reid is leaving the network, and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years. Her work has been recognized with several esteemed honors, including most recently, the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series. In the coming weeks, rotating anchors will host the hour.” Despite the diplomatic tone of Kutler’s remarks, the decision has left many questioning the network’s direction and whether it is abandoning some of its more progressive voices.
Among those who publicly expressed disappointment was MSNBC star Rachel Maddow. On her show, The Rachel Maddow Show, she described Reid’s firing as a “bad mistake” and pointed out the concerning pattern emerging from recent programming changes. “Two nonwhite hosts in primetime are losing their shows,” Maddow noted, referring not only to Reid’s departure but also to other shifts happening within the network. The comment underscored the broader concerns about diversity and representation at MSNBC, sparking further debate on social media.
Reid has never shied away from controversial takes, particularly when it comes to Trump and the state of American democracy. Throughout her tenure, she repeatedly criticized the former president, at times equating his leadership style to fascism. She also weighed in on the challenges Vice President Kamala Harris faced in the political arena, attributing Harris’s struggles to racial and gender biases. “White women did not show up for her,” Reid boldly stated during one of her segments, a remark that ignited significant backlash from conservative commentators.
Despite the controversy surrounding her outspoken views, Reid remains unapologetic. “I am not sorry. I am not sorry that I stood up for those things,” she declared in a recent interview, reinforcing her commitment to the causes she has championed throughout her career. However, her steadfastness did not prevent the show’s ratings from experiencing a significant decline. Following the 2024 election, The ReidOut suffered a drastic drop in viewership, with ratings plummeting by nearly half. The decline in audience numbers was part of a broader trend affecting cable news networks, as channels like MSNBC, CNN, and NBC grappled with shrinking viewership and subsequent layoffs.
While MSNBC maintains that the decision to part ways with Reid was a business move rather than a political one, insiders suggest that she is far from accepting the outcome passively. “She’s not going to just let this go,” a source close to the situation confirmed. “She’s weighing her options, and we haven’t seen the last of her yet.”
The future remains uncertain for Reid, but if history is any indication, she won’t stay silent for long. As she contemplates her next steps, speculation is growing about whether she will take her talents to another network, launch an independent platform, or even write a tell-all exposing the behind-the-scenes dynamics at MSNBC. Whatever comes next, one thing is clear: Joy Reid is not fading into the background without a fight.
Representatives for Joy Reid have yet to provide an official statement on the matter. The Irish Star has reached out for comment, but as of now, Reid’s next move remains a topic of keen interest in the media world.
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