Anchor Tiffany Cross will depart MSNBC over reported tensions with network executives, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to the Daily Caller.
The network recently decided to cancel Cross’ Saturday program, “Cross Connection,” and not to renew her contract after two years, sources familiar with the matter first told Variety. A rotating group of anchors will fill in her vacant seat during her now-former show’s time slot until a permanent replacement is found, a person familiar with the matter told the Daily Caller.
Her production staff members were informed of the decision Friday, but are likely to remain at the network, Variety reported.
Cross’ show launched in 2020 as part of the network’s changes to its weekend programming, Deadline reported. The weekend changes also added anchor Jonathan Capehart’s show.
Tensions allegedly grew between Cross and the network’s executives regarding her commentary, which they felt did not meet the standards of NBC or MSNBC, and her willingness to address statements by MSNBC, the outlet reported. On a Thursday appearance with Charlamagne Tha God, the anchor said Florida “literally looks like the dick of the country.” (RELATED: MSNBC Host Says CNN’s Van Jones And ESPN Anchor Sage Steele May Be Black, But They Aren’t ‘Black Voices’)
In October, she and Sirius XM podcast host Megyn Kelly had a falling out after Kelly called her the most “racist person on television.” Cross hit back by calling Kelly “blackface expert,” in reference to her controversial remarks about wearing blackface as a Halloween costume.
The anchor proved to be popular among black viewers, according to Variety. She was part of a broader plan by the network to add racial diversity to its lineup, which also included Capehart and Zerlina Maxwell.
She has often addressed race on her show, including in a viral segment where she called black Republican National Convention speakers a “modern-day minstrel show.”
NBC Universal declined to comment to the Daily Caller on the matter.