Rachel Maddow Calls Out MSNBC for Firing Non-White Hosts: ‘Indefensible’

In a rare moment of public dissent, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow has broken her usual silence to address the recent wave of high-profile terminations at her own network, particularly the firing of two prominent non-white hosts. On her own show, Maddow took to task her employer for what she described as an “indefensible” decision, calling out MSNBC’s leadership for removing The ReidOut host Joy Reid and Weekend with Katie Phang host Katie Phang from their respective positions.

Maddow’s outburst came after she revealed her shock and anger at the cancellations, which she saw as a direct attack on diversity within the network. “I will tell you it is also unnerving to see that on a network where we’ve got two—count them, two—non-white hosts in primetime, both of our non-white hosts in primetime are losing their shows, as is Katie Phang on the weekend,” Maddow stated, per the Daily Beast. “And that feels worse than bad, no matter who replaces them. That feels indefensible, and I do not defend it.”

The Criticism of MSNBC’s Leadership and the Impact on Diversity

Maddow’s remarks come amid a broader conversation about representation in the media industry. The anchor, who has built her career as one of MSNBC’s most trusted voices, expressed deep frustration with the network’s management under new president Rebecca Kutler. Kutler, who has been steering the network’s direction since her appointment, made headlines with her decision to overhaul the network’s primetime lineup, which included removing the long-running shows of Reid and Phang.

For Maddow, the firing of Reid—one of the first Black women to anchor a primetime news show on any network—was particularly personal. In an emotional on-air tribute, she expressed that Reid’s departure would leave a gaping hole in the MSNBC family, both professionally and personally. “I have been gainfully employed since I was 12, and I’ve had many different kinds of jobs,” Maddow shared, her voice thick with emotion. “But in all of the jobs I’ve had in all of the years I’ve been alive, there is no colleague for whom I’ve had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid.”

Joy Reid’s Emotional Farewell

Reid, who joined MSNBC in 2011 and became a fixture of its primetime lineup with The ReidOut in 2020, addressed the cancellation of her show in an emotional video. “I have been through every emotion over the past several days,” Reid said, speaking candidly on a live-streamed call with the Win With Black Women podcast. “From anger, rage, disappointment, hurt, feeling of guilt that I let my team lose their jobs. But in the end, where I really land and where I’ve landed on today is just gratitude, just pure gratitude.”

Reid’s heartfelt message resonated with her fans, who expressed their dismay at her ousting. For many viewers, her departure felt like a major blow to diversity at MSNBC, particularly since Reid was one of the few Black women to host a primetime news show on a major network. The absence of such representation in the primetime lineup left many wondering how much further the network would be willing to roll back its commitment to inclusivity.

The Aftermath: The Future of MSNBC’s Lineup

Maddow, despite her frustrations, expressed that she did not want to lose Reid as a colleague. “I do not want to lose her as a colleague here at MSNBC, and personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door,” Maddow added. The firing of Reid and Phang signals a larger shift at MSNBC, one that some critics argue puts profit and ratings over diversity and inclusion.

In the wake of the departures, The ReidOut will be replaced by interim hosts like Simone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, who currently host The Weekend. Additionally, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki is expected to join MSNBC as part of the new changes. These moves are being viewed as part of Kutler’s efforts to rebrand the network and align it with a broader audience. However, the criticism of these changes, particularly around the treatment of non-white hosts, continues to grow.

The Response to Maddow’s Criticism

MSNBC executives, including Rebecca Kutler, have yet to publicly address Rachel Maddow’s comments. The silence surrounding the situation has only fueled speculation about the internal dynamics at MSNBC and the tensions surrounding these layoffs and changes. Some insiders suggest that Maddow’s public comments may be a sign of increasing frustration with the direction of the network and her role within it.

While the network has yet to respond directly to Maddow’s remarks, it’s clear that the controversy over the firing of Reid and Phang has become a flashpoint for broader conversations about diversity, representation, and media priorities in 2025. As MSNBC seeks to redefine its brand, it now finds itself caught in a storm of internal and external scrutiny.

A Larger Conversation on Diversity and the Media

Maddow’s comments have sparked a larger conversation not only within MSNBC but across the media industry. The question of how to balance journalistic integrity with the business-driven decisions of the networks is becoming more urgent. In an era where diversity and inclusivity are central to much of the public discourse, the decisions made by major news networks like MSNBC will be closely examined.

For many, the firing of Reid, a trailblazer in the field of political journalism, represents a troubling regression in the network’s commitment to diversity. While executives may argue that the changes are simply part of a broader strategy to attract a larger viewership, the optics of letting go of prominent non-white hosts suggest that diversity may not be a top priority for the network.

The Path Forward for MSNBC

What lies ahead for MSNBC remains unclear, particularly regarding its relationship with the wider audience. While the network has a deep history of addressing political issues and providing coverage of major events, the loss of influential voices like Joy Reid and Katie Phang could alienate viewers who rely on their representation and perspectives. The question now is whether MSNBC can rebuild its image without these key figures, and if its new programming choices can maintain both credibility and viewer trust.

As for Rachel Maddow, her public defense of her colleagues highlights the loyalty and camaraderie she feels toward those she works with. Her decision to speak out, even at the risk of alienating network executives, reflects her belief in the importance of standing up for journalistic integrity and fairness. Her candid remarks have sparked a wider debate about how media organizations handle diversity and the treatment of their employees.

Conclusion: A Crucial Moment for MSNBC and the Media Industry

Rachel Maddow’s comments represent a pivotal moment not just for MSNBC but for the future of American journalism. As the media industry grapples with its evolving landscape, issues of representation, diversity, and media ownership are coming to the forefront. The controversy surrounding the firing of Joy Reid and Katie Phang at MSNBC serves as a reminder that the industry still has a long way to go in creating a truly inclusive media environment.

As viewers, journalists, and critics continue to weigh in on the changes at MSNBC, the question remains: Will the network rebuild itself to prioritize diversity and inclusivity, or will it continue to make choices that alienate parts of its audience? The next few months will be critical in determining the future trajectory of MSNBC, and the wider implications it will have on the media industry as a whole.