Chris Matthews Exits ‘Hardball’ Following Harassment Allegations

(Bloomberg) -- Chris Matthews, the longtime MSNBC host, announced his retirement Monday night during his daily talk show “Hardball” following accusations of inappropriate workplace conduct.

He and the network reached the decision mutually, Matthews, 74, said on the air. He was accused of misbehavior by journalist Laura Bassett, who had written about the incidents in 2017 without naming him.

“I’m retiring,” Matthews said. “After conversations with MSNBC, I decided tonight will be my last ‘Hardball.’”

The decision to step down marks the end of a long career in politics and journalism. Matthews work in print media for 15 years and was Washington bureau chief for the San Francisco Examiner. “Hardball With Chris Matthews” began airing in 1997.

He also worked for four Democrats in Congress, including former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, and was a speech writer for President Jimmy Carter.

Matthews said he wanted to hand the reins to the younger generation, and praised their workplace standards, saying they were higher than what he grew up with.

“Compliments on a women’s appearance -- that some men, including me, might have once incorrectly thought are OK -- were never OK,” he said. “Not then and certainly not today. And for making such comments in the past, I’m sorry.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Rob Golum in Los Angeles at rgolum@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Nick Turner at nturner7@bloomberg.net

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