Rachel Maddow slams MSNBC’s ‘indefensible’ and ‘unnerving’ decision to drop Joy Reid

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy MSNBC star Rachel Maddow lambasted her own network for parting ways with longtime host Joy Reid and canceling a number of shows anchored by women of color, calling the decision “indefensible” and a “bad mistake.” Following a series of reports over the weekend that Reid was out at MSNBC amid a programming overhaul, new network president Rebecca Kutler made it official Monday. In paying tribute to her departing colleague, Maddow told Reid that she loved her and was “bereft that The ReidOut is ending,” while Wallace described it as “losing a limb.” Roughly 90 minutes later, Maddow took a “point of personal privilege” during her show to address the “changes that have been announced at MSNBC over the last couple of days.” Noting that she would go back to just hosting on Monday nights after Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office is complete, adding that this was always the original plan, Maddow pointed out that Wagner would not be returning to anchor the 9 p.m. open image in gallery MSNBC host Rachel Maddow blasts her network's decision to drop Joy Reid, calling it a ‘bad mistake’ and ‘indefensible’ “So that’s a big change,” Maddow told viewers. And I do not defend it.” open image in gallery Following a series of reports over the weekend that Reid was out at MSNBC amid a programming overhaul, new network president Rebecca Kutler made it official Monday While Reid is leaving the network, both Phang and Wagner will remain at MSNBC as the network’s legal correspondent and senior political analyst, respectively.