LOOK AT HER — IT’S JUST NOT FAIR TO ME’: MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell REFUSES to give up the FIGHT for a $25 MILLION contract like Rachel Maddow’s. Does he deserve it?

Tensions are reaching a boiling point inside MSNBC’s executive offices as longtime host Lawrence O’Donnell is reportedly pushing back hard in contract negotiations, demanding equal treatment — and equal pay — to that of Rachel Maddow, whose $25 million-per-year deal has become the gold standard within the network.

According to multiple insiders, O’Donnell has made it clear that he’s not backing down.

And behind closed doors, he’s not hiding his frustration.

“Look at her — it’s just not fair to me,” he was overheard saying during a private conversation with a senior producer, referring to Maddow’s blockbuster deal that allows her to work a limited schedule while still earning top-tier compensation.

O’Donnell, who hosts *The Last Word* and has been a staple of MSNBC’s primetime lineup since 2010, is reportedly seeking a deal in the same financial ballpark.

Not necessarily identical, sources say, but close enough to reflect what he sees as his decade-plus contribution to the network’s credibility and ratings dominance in the progressive space.

But MSNBC isn’t budging — at least not yet.

Executives are reportedly wary of matching Maddow’s deal, which was made under very specific conditions.

Not only is Maddow considered a rare television talent with a cult-like following, but her contract came at a time when the network feared losing her to competing streaming giants who were prepared to pay even more.

Still, O’Donnell’s camp is arguing that without *The Last Word*, MSNBC’s evening programming would lose one of its most substantive and serious voices — someone who consistently delivers nuanced, fact-driven commentary without resorting to clickbait or theatrical outrage.

“He’s the grown-up in the room,” one producer noted.

“He deserves more than a pat on the back and a ‘thank you for your service.’”

Internally, the standoff is creating waves.

Some staffers are split on whether O’Donnell’s demands are realistic in a shifting media landscape.

While he has a loyal viewer base and deep respect from colleagues, his show doesn’t always pull the explosive numbers Maddow’s does — especially since she shifted to a once-a-week format.

Others argue that MSNBC can’t afford to alienate yet another trusted voice, especially at a time when it’s already under fire for alleged editorial shifts, staffing cuts, and the quiet exits of other on-air talent.

The situation is also being closely watched by other MSNBC anchors who, though not as vocal as O’Donnell, are reportedly taking note of how the network handles this negotiation — particularly after investing years of their own into building MSNBC’s brand.

O’Donnell has not commented publicly on the contract dispute, and his on-air demeanor remains as polished and composed as ever.

But those close to him say the tension is real, and the frustration is mounting.

He has allegedly made it clear that he’s open to new opportunities should the network fail to recognize his value, with some speculating that CNN or even a major streaming platform could be interested in giving him the freedom and budget he wants.

Whether or not O’Donnell deserves $25 million is now a question not just of numbers, but of legacy.

He’s been there through multiple election cycles, impeachments, wars, scandals, and cultural upheavals — delivering clear, measured reporting at a time when cable news increasingly favors noise over nuance.

He’s not flashy, but he’s respected.

He’s not viral, but he’s trusted.

And for many viewers, that still matters.

As MSNBC navigates its next chapter, the outcome of this contract battle could set a new precedent.

If O’Donnell walks, it won’t just be a talent loss — it’ll be a message.

A message about what the network values, who it rewards, and whether journalistic integrity still holds weight in the age of short-term ratings and superstar personalities.

For now, Lawrence O’Donnell is standing firm.

And as one insider put it, “He’s not going to beg. But he’s not going to walk away quietly either.”