Rachel Maddow Calls Joy Reid’s Exit a ‘Bad Mistake’

Rachel Maddow has publicly expressed support for her MSNBC colleague, Joy Reid. Maddow, 51, spoke about the cancellation of Reid’s show, The ReidOut, which aired its last episode on Monday, February 24. This announcement was made later that evening during The Rachel Maddow Show.

On that Monday, MSNBC confirmed that Reid, 56, would leave the network after it decided to cancel her show during its five-year run. Maddow reflected on the situation, stating, "Joy Reid’s show, *The ReidOut,* ended tonight. She is not taking another network job. She is leaving altogether, and that is very hard to accept," according to Variety.

Maddow shared her deep admiration for Reid: "I have been gainfully employed since I was 12. Throughout countless jobs, I have never met a colleague for whom I've had more affection and respect than Joy Reid."

The political commentator emphasized the value Reid brought to the network: "I love everything about her. I’ve learned so much from her, and I do not want to lose her as a colleague at MSNBC. Personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door."

Maddow also criticized further changes to MSNBC's lineup. She pointed out that weekend anchor Katie Phang would also lose her time slot and labeled it "indefensible" that the network’s two non-white hosts would be impacted like this.

MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler confirmed Reid's departure in an internal memo that the Associated Press obtained. "Joy Reid is leaving the network, and we thank her for her contributions over the years," wrote Kutler, as reported by the outlet.

Reid expressed gratitude to her supporters in a Bluesky post amidst the surrounding controversy: "I want to thank everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I am so proud of *The ReidOut* team, who are truly family, and all our supporters and friends." She added, "See you tomorrow night at 7, one more time."

In an emotional livestream on the "Win With Black Women" YouTube channel, Reid underscored her viewpoint. She stated firmly, "My show had value." Addressing tough subjects, she remarked, "I stand by my commentary, whether about Black Lives Matter or the conflict in Gaza, to express our right to object."

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