In March 2020, long-standing MSNBC host Chris Matthews shockingly announced his retirement during an episode of his long-running series Hardball.

But why was his tenure on television abruptly cut short? This is the untold truth of Chris Matthews.

Chris Matthews' Hardball departure came on the heels of a bombshell GQ article written by journalist Laura Bassett. In the February 2020 feature, she alleges that

"In 2017, [Matthews] inappropriately flirted with me in the makeup room a few times before we went live on his show, making me noticeably uncomfortable on air."

Perhaps not coincidentally, Matthews retired shortly after her story was published. Once he made the on-air announcement, the show cut to a commercial break, and Matthews never returned. This wildly dramatic exit marked the end of an era for MSNBC's longest-running series. Matthews - who will likely be replaced by Shepard Smith, Steve Kornacki, or Joy Reid - had hosted the show for more than 20 years.

Wathe the video to see the truth about Chris Matthews finally revealed.

#ChrisMatthews #HardBall

The GQ story | 0:26

Investigated for harassment | 2:24

Was he fired? | 3:49

A history of public apologies | 5:21

His relationship with Trump | 6:50

The Jon Stewart interview | 8:35

His cancer diagnosis | 9:49

He almost ran for Senate | 11:04

His rule of three | 12:11