Major Controversies Surrounding Chris Matthews: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 14, 2025

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

Chris Matthews is an American political commentator, author, and former talk show host. He is best known for hosting 'Hardball with Chris Matthews' on MSNBC from 1997 to 2020, a weeknight hour-long talk show focused on politics and current events. Matthews retired following allegations of inappropriate comments made to a guest on his show. Before his career in television, Matthews worked as a political aide and speechwriter. He has also authored several books, primarily focused on American politics and history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1940: Historical Reference to Fall of France

In February 2020, Chris Matthews made a reference to Winston Churchill's feeling of disbelief following the fall of France in 1940. He made this comparison while commenting on the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucuses.

1999: MSNBC Settlement

In 1999, MSNBC reached a settlement with a female producer of Chris Matthews's program who alleged that Matthews made inappropriate comments about her in front of colleagues.

2016: Inappropriate Comments Accusation

In 2016, freelance journalist Laura Bassett accused Chris Matthews of making sexist remarks when she was a guest on "Hardball", which contributed to his later retirement.

December 2017: Details of 1999 Settlement Surface

In December 2017, details surfaced regarding a 1999 settlement that Chris Matthews's employer, MSNBC, reached with a female producer of Matthews's program who alleged Matthews made inappropriate comments about her.

2017: Published Text About Incident

In 2017, Laura Bassett published a text about the incident involving Chris Matthews, without identifying him by name.

2018: "Cosby Pill" Comment

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

February 7, 2020: Controversial Remarks About Bernie Sanders and Fidel Castro

On February 7, 2020, during a panel discussion, Chris Matthews referenced Bernie Sanders's praise for aspects of Fidel Castro's Cuba and suggested there would have been executions in Central Park had Castro and the Reds won the Cold War, drawing criticism from left-wing commentators.

February 2020: Bassett Alleges Inappropriate Remarks

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

February 22, 2020: Churchill and the Fall of France Analogy

On February 22, 2020, Chris Matthews invoked Winston Churchill's feelings after the fall of France to the Nazis in 1940 as a metaphor for the disbelief of Democratic Party establishment figures over Bernie Sanders's victory in the Nevada caucuses.

March 2, 2020: Retirement from Hardball

On March 2, 2020, Chris Matthews announced his immediate retirement from Hardball, alluding to claims of inappropriate comments that had resurfaced.

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2020: Retirement from Hardball

In 2020, Chris Matthews announced his retirement on his final episode of Hardball with Chris Matthews following an accusation of inappropriate comments made to a guest four years earlier.

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