Chris Matthews’s abrupt retirement draws mixed reactions: ‘An atrocious end to a noble, happy-warrior career’

Chris Matthews’s abrupt on-air retirement announcement on Monday night prompted an array of reaction from across the political and media spectrum, with some observers saying criticism of the “Hardball” host was too harsh and others celebrating his departure.

“I’m retiring. This is the last ‘Hardball’ on MSNBC, and obviously this isn’t for lack of interest in politics,” the 74-year-old Matthews said in scripted remarks to his audience at the top of his program.

“As you can tell, I’ve loved every minute of my 20 years as host of ‘Hardball.’ Every morning, I read the papers and I’m gung-ho to get to work. Not many people have had this privilege.”

The stunning announcement came three days after he was accused of sexual harassment by GQ columnist Laura Bassett. Among other allegations, Bassett in a GQ opinion piece published Friday claimed Matthews told a network makeup artist to “keep putting makeup on her” and asked, “Why haven’t I fallen in love with you yet?”

Many journalists and pundits, including Bassett, took to Twitter in response. She said in a post that she was criticized in an “invasive, cruel and personal” manner after publishing the column.

No, I have more to say than that. Since calling out Chris Matthews, this week has been really rough. The harassment has been invasive, cruel and personal. And it’s all worth it if he will never have the platform to demean and objectify us again. https://t.co/YS1FxW25zt

— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) March 3, 2020

Chris Matthews is a friend of mine. He and I have flirted unabashedly for 20 years. This is an atrocious end to a noble, happy-warrior career. I will continue to be his friend. Angry column to follow. #ChrisMatthews #NoCryingInBaseball #Hardball

— kathleenparker (@kathleenparker) March 3, 2020

A question: Why does Christ Matthews have to retire, but Joy Reid can get away with lying about her past homophobia and getting hacking? She’s woke, he’s not, is that the difference? https://t.co/VYMoTTjbie

— Robby Soave (@robbysoave) March 3, 2020

Mika and I were deeply moved by @SteveKornacki’s tribute to Chris Matthews. Actually, we are wiping tears from our eyes. We love Chris and will miss him every night in our home at 7pm. As Steve said, Chris was the most human TV guy and “I say that as the highest compliment.” pic.twitter.com/M7uGj61kAB

— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) March 3, 2020

Chris Matthews resigned from MSNBC tonight. He is an honest, honorable, kind and compassionate human being and we wish him only the best in his career which is far from over.

— Mike Barnicle (@mikebarnicle) March 3, 2020

So Chris Matthews got fired fir doing the same stuff Joe Biden does all the time? And the big story of the week is the rise of Biden?

— Kyle Smith (@rkylesmith) March 3, 2020

Trump is outlasting EVERYONE “Chris Matthews announces retirement, mutually parts ways with MSNBC” https://t.co/wnrFfOaKo5

— Tammy Bruce (@HeyTammyBruce) March 3, 2020

The woke brigades just took out Chris Matthews. I differ with him on most things but this was typical of the cancel mobs.

— Dom Giordano (@DomShow1210) March 3, 2020

Matthews began hosting “Hardball” on MSNBC in 1999. His replacement has not been announced.