A controversial talk show host is speaking out after being arrested once again.
Thaddeus Matthews is out of jail on a $15,000 bond. He was arrested yesterday and charged with violating his probation, the result of a previous harassment arrest earlier this month. As it often is with Matthews, it’s complicated.
All of this stems from a dispute Matthews is having with a man who doesn’t like what Matthews is saying and doing over the airwaves and on Facebook.
Later this week, Matthews will appear in court on the probation violation charge. Tuesday, he was in court in connection to the harassment claims.
“They violated my probation, and I knew it was coming. I can’t blame the probation officers because it was part of the rules. If you are arrested you are in violation,” said Matthews.
But Matthews says none of this would have happened if Frederick McWilliams hadn’t filed a harassment charge against him.
Matthews says the whole situation is retaliation for his continued reports on McWilliams. McWilliams is facing theft charges for stealing big money from a non-profit organization. Matthews has talked about it on his talk show and posted a nude photo of McWilliams that was sent to an elected official.
“His problem is he is embarrassed. He is upset with me, so he is taking me through all this false stuff,” said Matthews.
Matthews says it’s his right to discuss McWilliams on his talk show.
“The freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, this is what we do. We report.”
McWilliams told Local 24 earlier this month he won’t be intimated by Matthews.
“Mr. Matthews has a loud voice. Mr. Matthews has a powerful voice. Just because you have a loud and powerful voice, that doesn’t make your voice right,” said McWilliams.
“Breaking news, Thaddeus Matthews is in jail again, ok,” said Matthews.
Matthews says while the public may focus on his arrests, they should focus on the good he has done. Last week, he raised money to pay for the funeral for the 15-year-old who was murdered.
Matthews added, if McWilliams was so afraid, he should have showed up for court Tuesday.
“If you feel I’m harassing you, why didn’t you show up for order of protection court this morning? And it was dismissed,” said Matthews.
Just the request for an order of protection was dismissed. The harassment charge has not. Because of the arrest earlier this month, a judge could revoke Matthews’ bond and send him to prison. He is on probation for tampering with evidence.
