MSNBC Host Melissa Harris-Perry Refuses to Appear On Air Because She Is No "Little Brown Bobble Head"

"I will not sell short myself or this show."

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Complex Original

Melissa Harris-Perry is stepping down as host of her MSNBC series Nerdland after a notice absence on the network. The series, which began in 2012, was a platform for her to discuss a variety of political and social issues with a diverse panel. Rumors circulated of a cancelation after her presence lessened over time and the show’s editorial content drastically changed. With the help of a colleague, she addressed said rumors in an open letter and announced she would no longer be appearing on the series.

"As you know by now, my name appears on the weekend schedule for MSNBC programming from South Carolina this Saturday and Sunday. However, as of this morning, I do not have any intention of hosting this weekend," she wrote. She went on to say that the network’s decision to put her on air is an effort to save face.

She added, "I will not sell short myself or this show. I am not hungry for empty airtime. I care only about substantive, meaningful, and autonomous work." However, she says she will return once the network will allow her to get back to that meaningful work. Basically, the exact opposite of Stacey Dash.

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