Major Controversies Surrounding Chris Matthews: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Chris Matthews—discover key moments of controversy.

Chris Matthews is an American political commentator and author, best known for hosting "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on MSNBC from 1997 to 2020. The show focused on political news and interviews. He retired from MSNBC following accusations of inappropriate comments made to a guest. Before his television career, Matthews worked as a political aide and speechwriter, drawing from his experience in politics to inform his commentary.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1940: Reference to Fall of France

On February 22, 2020, Matthews referenced Winston Churchill's feeling of disbelief following the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940.

1999: Inappropriate comments

In 1999, a female producer of Matthews's program alleged Matthews made inappropriate comments about her in front of colleagues in the workplace

2016: Inappropriate comments made

In 2016, freelance journalist Laura Bassett accused Matthews of making sexist remarks when she was a guest on “Hardball.

December 2017: Details of 1999 Settlement Surface

In December 2017, details surfaced of a 1999 settlement Matthews's employer, MSNBC, reached with a female producer of Matthews's program who alleged Matthews made inappropriate comments about her in front of colleagues in the workplace.

2017: Bassett Publishes Text About Incident

In 2017, Laura Bassett previously published a text about the incident, which did not identify Matthews by name.

2018: Cosby Pill Remark

In 2018, during a setup for a television interview with Hillary Clinton, Matthews stated out loud "where was the Cosby pill" that he brought with him.

February 7, 2020: Comments on Bernie Sanders and Cuba

On February 7, 2020, during a panel discussion following a Democratic Party presidential candidate debate in New Hampshire, Matthews made comments referencing Bernie Sanders's praise for aspects of Fidel Castro's Cuba, sparking controversy.

February 2020: Bassett Alleges Inappropriate Remarks

In February 2020, Laura Bassett alleged that Matthews made inappropriate remarks about her makeup, clothing, and dating life prior to her appearance on his program in 2016.

February 22, 2020: Comments on Nevada Democratic Caucuses

On February 22, 2020, while commenting on the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucuses, Matthews invoked Winston Churchill's feeling of disbelief following the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940 as a metaphor for the feeling of disbelief experienced by establishment figures in the Democratic Party to Bernie Sanders's victory in the state.

March 2, 2020: Announces Retirement from Hardball

On March 2, 2020, Matthews announced his immediate retirement from Hardball, alluding to past claims of inappropriate comments and a recent accusation by Laura Bassett.

2020: Retirement from Hardball

In 2020, Chris Matthews announced his retirement on his final episode of Hardball, following accusations of inappropriate comments made to a guest four years prior.