MSNBC's Scarborough Unleashes on Mika Brzezinski After She Calls Him 'Chauvinistic' in Uncomfortable On-Air Battle

Photo Credit: MSNBC

File this one under "awkward."

The set of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" turned down-right testy today after co-host Mika Brzezinski accused Joe Scarborough of being "chauvinistic." The former congressman was instantaneously taken aback, as he proceeded to respond to the "personal attack" with fervency. What resulted was a bizarrely uncomfortable back-and-forth worth watching.

In the minutes leading up to the on-air spat, BBC's Katty Kay was on the show, among others, to talk about the lack of diversity in President Barack Obama's cabinet. The "chauvinistic" comment was made after Scarborough targeted the overall lack of furor surrounding Obama's monolithic inner-circle. Brzezinski disagreed with the tone that he used to address the issue -- and that's when the fireworks commenced.

"This is a ridiculous conversation...you've got nothing here," Brzezinski said, after listening to Scarborough and other panelists debate the composition of Obama's cabinet.

As the conversation progressed and the the former congressman became dismissive of those defending Obama, Brzezinski could no longer contain herself.

"I am afraid to use the word because it will not be good for you...you're being chauvinistic right now and you need to stop -- alright," she said, with frustration clearly evident in her voice.

Photo Credit: MSNBC

Scarborough instantly fought back, defending himself against her claim.

"And you can attack me and be personal and make personal attacks against me," he responded. "You're calling the wrong guy chauvinistic."

Then, he added, "You can't throw attacks around like that!," as the rest of the panel remained silent.

Watch the awkward dialogue, below (the intensity begins around the 7:00 mark):

(H/T: Mediaite)