Tiffany Cross, Former MSNBC Host, Allegedly Threatened To 'Take Down' The Network Before Leaving
Former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross, who had her weekend show canceled earlier this month, allegedly threatened to “go out in a blaze” and “take down” the network before leaving the company. A source who spoke with The New York Post said Cross called multiple journalists, media executives and social activists before her exit to reveal her feelings about the network and her boss, Rashida Jones.
“She made calls saying, ‘I’m going out in a blaze and I’m taking down the network and going after Rashida,'” the source said.
MSNBC Insiders who spoke with The Post said Cross’ show, The Cross Connection, was canceled because executives grew tired of the host’s repeated use of vulgar language and name calling on air. Cross is also accused of racking up as much as $100,000 in expenses for five-star hotel stays, insiders said.
The former MSNBC employee enjoyed expensive trips to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles and the Oscars, staying at the Beverly Wilshire on Rodeo Drive for an “extended stay,” according to a source.
“She’s staying at a hotel NBC’s execs don’t stay at,” an insider said. “She mistook working in television news for being a celebrity. She was making north of $200,000 and she acted like she made $5 million.”
Although she demanded more office space, management didn’t grant Cross’ wish because her show was in last place, the source added.
The host refuted the claims in a statement, saying her show garnered “more than 4.6 million monthly viewers” and it was MSNBC’s “highest-rated weekend show.”
According to Nielsen, The Cross Connection drew between 704,000 and 465,000 viewers a week since June and averaged 548,000 viewers for the year.
Cross, a former Washington bureau chief for BET, worked as a political guest analyst when she first arrived at MSNBC. She then became an anchor in 2020.
Sources said some insiders were surprised to see the network terminating Cross’ contract, which was supposed to expire on Dec. 31.
