In a shocking revelation, a former production assistant at MSNBC has accused Joy Reid, the erstwhile host of "TheReidOut," of launching a "vile antisemitic rant" in which she allegedly held Orthodox Jews responsible for the spread of COVID-19 in New York City.
The assistant, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed that Reid's tirade took place during the summer of 2020.
The former staffer, who is Jewish, recalled Reid's alleged comments, "Theyre the reason why COVID is spreading across New York. They dont care about COVID or spreading it to others."
The assistant was taken aback by Reid's sweeping generalization of an entire community, and was further shocked by the lack of challenge from others on the call. "I was shocked she called out a group and generalized them," she said, adding that it was even more shocking that the "other people on the call went along with it as if its a normal thing to say."
According to The New York Post, about 20 people from the production team were present on the call. The assistant felt too "intimidated" as a young staffer to voice her concerns during the meeting, but later sent a message to her boss, then-senior producer Lorena Ruiz, expressing her deep concern over the "100 percent antisemitic" comments.
In her message, she urged her boss to consider "collective responsibility," pointing out that many Orthodox Jews were "part of the many doctors creating the COVID guidelines and restrictions, and risking their lives every day to treat COVID patients." Ruiz acknowledged the assistant's "good point," and admitted that Reid could be "very careless with her language."
Reid's show, "TheReidOut," debuted in July 2020 and was hailed by the left as a fresh voice, covering "the intersection of race, justice and culture." However, the former staffer painted a different picture of the show's atmosphere, describing it as "hypocritical" and "contradictory." She noted that while Reid often championed marginalized groups, she had no qualms about blaming Jews for spreading the virus.
The assistant was so "turned off" and stung by the incident that she contemplated resigning. "I was writing out a text like I dont feel comfortable continuing on the show," she said, adding that her family "talked me out of it."
After Reid's recent dismissal, the former staffer reached out to MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler, expressing her "sense of relief" and detailing Reid's "deeply troubling behavior, particularly her vile antisemitism." She admitted to feeling "very alone and like I was working with people who dont understand."
The assistant expressed regret for not speaking up sooner, saying, "I think maybe I should have spoken out to someone higher up or even to her [Reid] herself, that I should have spoken up more."
NBCUniversal declined to comment on the allegations. Attempts to reach Reid, her agent, and Ruiz for comment were unsuccessful. The assistant's revelations underscore the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment in the media industry, where diverse voices and perspectives are not only tolerated but celebrated.
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