MSNBC’s Joy Reid accused of threatening ‘physical violence’ by former radio co-host

MSNBC “AM Joy” host Joy Reid has been accused by ex co-workers of creating a “toxic” work environment and allegedly once threatening another host “with physical violence,” according to a Thursday report.

Andre Eggelletion, who once hosted a morning show with Reid at WTPS-AM in South Florida from 2006 to 2007, told FoxNews.com that Reid had created “the most toxic work environment I’ve ever experienced” and once threatened him physically. {mosads}

“It was a very unhealthy work environment because of her attitude,” Eggelletion said. “She attacked me on a constant basis while I was there. I was even once threatened with physical violence during a break with her.”

“There was a dispute over it and I told her, ‘Go ahead and call the manager,’” Eggelletion said he instructed Reid after an editorial dispute.

“’If you ever speak to me like that again I’m coming over there and it’s gonna be me and you,'” Eggelletion alleges Reid said in response.

Lee Michaels served as program director for several radio stations that included WTPS and confirmed the dispute had “absolutely” occurred in that fashion.

“It absolutely happened — 100 percent,” Michaels told FoxNews.com.

Reid has not commented on the allegations and could not be reached for comment.

MSNBC declined comment when reached by The Hill.

WanJira Banfield, who served as director of marketing and promotions at WTPS during Reid’s short stint there, came to Reid’s defense in a Facebook post:

“She was one of the most deferential professionals I’ve ever worked with,” wrote Banfield. “Her daily interactions with me and the rest of the staff [were] of the highest professional regard.”

“She unequivocally respected the views and perspectives of her fellow co-hosts even if they may have differed in opinion,” she continued. “Similar to most radio station operations, the atmosphere was most often fast-paced, yet Joy made it refreshingly pleasant to be there every day.

“Through it all, she remained assiduous in her role, flexible, receptive to constructive criticism, and always exemplifying a great attitude with a strong sense of integrity and moral fiber,” Banfield concluded.

Heather Stanislas, a former sales manager at WTPS, also posted a statement on Facebook defending Reid.

“I have personally known Joy for over 12 years. I am proud to have worked with her and happy to see that she is now a voice of reason for issues of national concern. During our time at WTPS, Joy engaged with team members of all backgrounds and would not hesitate to assist when needed,” Stanislas wrote.

“The audience thirsted for her daily commentary and enjoyed meeting her face-to-face at station sponsored events,” she added.”

“Today, Joy is still regarded among our former colleagues as a woman of compassion, a diligent worker with excellent rapport and most definitely a team player. She is an irreplaceable asset to the media whose presence has enhanced our national dialogue on pertinent issues,” Stanislas closed.

The Fox News report comes just days after Reid again apologized for posts resurfaced from her old blog that included hateful comments. Reid had blamed hackers for changing the content on the decade-old blog but appeared to back off that claim in her June 1 apology.

MSNBC said it would stand by Reid and felt she had “grown and evolved in the many years since” the blog was live.