Joy Reid, an American journalist and TV host, was temporarily suspended and ultimately not fired from her position as the host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut” in 2022. However, there was a controversy surrounding her show.
In April 2022, Reid faced backlash for her criticism of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. During a segment on her show, Reid questioned Thomas’ loyalty to his wife, Ginni Thomas, who had been linked to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.
Following the backlash, Reid apologized for her comments, stating that she had “regretted” her words and that they were “uncalled for.” MSNBC also released a statement supporting Reid’s apology.
Reid’s suspension was not related to this incident but rather due to a separate controversy surrounding old blog posts from 2005 to 2009, which contained homophobic slurs and other derogatory language. Reid apologized for the posts, stating that she had “evolved” and was “embarrassed” by her past language.
Joy Reid’s final episode of “The ReidOut” was a powerful statement on resisting fascism and fighting for democracy. She urged her audience to learn from history and resist, emphasizing that America hasn’t always been a free country for everyone and that resistance movements have been present since the country’s inception.
Reid’s emotional farewell was met with support from fellow MSNBC hosts like Rachel Maddow, who expressed her distress over the show’s cancellation. Maddow praised Reid, saying she had learned so much from her and didn’t want to lose her as a colleague.
In her first interview after being fired, Reid reflected on her emotions, ranging from anger and guilt to gratitude. She remained defiant, stating that she wasn’t sorry for standing up for progressive issues like Black Lives Matter and immigrant rights.
The cancellation of “The ReidOut” was part of a larger shakeup at MSNBC, with new president Rebecca Kutler overseeing the changes. The network’s decision to cancel the show was met with frustration and disbelief from Reid’s staff, who learned about the cancellation through the press rather than from leadership.
Reid has since expressed her gratitude to her supporters and the team behind “The ReidOut,” who she considers family. Her departure from MSNBC marks the end of an era, but Reid’s commitment to progressive values and social justice remains unwavering.
