Chris Matthews joked about his 'Bill Cosby pill' before a 2016 interview with Hillary Clinton.

The Cut

Chris Matthews apologizes for ‘Bill Cosby pill’ joke he made about Hillary Clinton

Matthews has a history of making sexist remarks about Clinton.

 

Kris Seavers

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Posted on Jan 12, 2018   Updated on May 22, 2021, 4:53 am CDT

 host Chris Matthews apologized Friday for a date rape joke he made before an interview with Hillary Clinton in 2016.

In a video recorded Jan. 5, 2016, and first obtained by the Cut, Matthews is seen preparing for the interview Clinton. He asks, “Can I have some of the queen’s waters? Precious waters?” As he waits for the water, he says, “Where’s that Bill Cosby pill I brought with me?” He then laughs.

Cosby has been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women, including some who say the comedian drugged and raped them.

“This was a terrible comment I made in poor taste during the height of the Bill Cosby headlines,” Matthews said to the Cut. “I realize that’s no excuse. I deeply regret it and I’m sorry.”

Jennifer Palmieri, the Clinton campaign’s communication director who was present for the interview, said in a tweet Friday that watching the video of Matthews “makes me feel ill.”

Matthews, who has hosted MSNBC’s Hardball since 1997, has a history of making sexist remarks toward Clinton. In 2008, he apologized for saying she only became a U.S. senator and presidential candidate because “her husband messed around.”

Politico reported in December that Matthews was formally reprimanded for sexual harassment in 1999. A female producer who said he made inappropriate comments in the workplace reportedly received separation-related compensation.

H/T the Cut

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*First Published: Jan 12, 2018, 8:06 pm CST