MSNBC claims to be 'unaware' of Kamala Harris campaign's $500K donation to host Al Sharpton's nonprofit

WASHINGTON, DC: MSNBC claimed to be "unaware" of host Al Sharpton's non-profit National Action Network receiving $500,000 from Kamala Harris' campaign before his interview with the vice president ahead of the 2024 presidential election, as reported by Fox News. 

The Democratic presidential nominee appeared for a friendly interview with Sharpton, a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party, on the October 20 episode of 'Politics Nation.' Incidentally, it also happened to be her 60th birthday. 

Al Sharpton apparently failed to inform MSNBC of the transaction

According to Fox News, FEC filings, made after Kamala Harris decisively lost to her Republican rival Donald Trump, revealed that her campaign made two $250,000 donations to Al Sharpton’s nonprofit organization in September and October.

However, the host reportedly avoided informing the network and the viewers of the contributions and the possible conflict of interest before or after the interview with the presidential candidate.

The news was first published by the Washington Free Beacon, which quoted an MSNBC spokesperson saying, "MSNBC was unaware of the donations made to the National Action Network." Their report did not mention if Sharpton would be facing any consequences.

Sharpton's action was called a "black eye" on both MSNBC and journalism by the Society of Professional Journalists.

Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross claimed on X (formerly Twitter), "Sharpton appears to be getting special treatment. He’s been on air since our story, and MSNBC spokesman declined to say anything about network’s interactions with Sharpton about this."

He added, "That could be because MSNBC’s president, Rashida Jones, is close to Sharpton and has spoken at many events for the Sharpton nonprofit that got the $500k in Kamala cash."

Internet accuses Al Sharpton of being a 'grifter'

Netizens were quick to slam Al Sharpton for allegedly taking $500,000 from Kamala Harris' campaign before his interview with the vice president. 

One wrote, "No surprises here that the race grifter was paid off," and another said, "So that is the price to get Al Sharpton to give Harris an easy interview. Conflict of interest- quid quo pro."

"Heck of a way to make $500k," quipped a person, and someone else added, "Big money and big questions about impartiality here."A

A person remarked, "Loyalty for sale," while an individual declared, "Sharpton is and always has been an absolute grifter."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.