Megyn Kelly Faces Intense Backlash Over Epstein Pedophile Comments

Political commentator Megyn Kelly has ignited a firestorm. Her recent remarks about Jeffrey Epstein have drawn widespread condemnation. The controversy erupted during her SiriusXM show on November 13.

Kelly suggested the convicted sex offender may not fit a strict definition of a pedophile. She presented a view that his victims were “barely legal.” This characterization has sparked intense criticism across media platforms.

Kelly’s Controversial On-Air Statements Explained

Kelly made the comments while discussing the Epstein case. She quoted a source close to the investigation. The source’s view was that Epstein was not a pedophile.

“He was into the barely-legal type… like, he liked 15-year-old girls,” Kelly stated on air. She immediately acknowledged the statement was disgusting. She clarified she was not trying to make an excuse for Epstein’s behavior.

Her remarks quickly spread across social media. Critics accused her of minimizing Epstein’s crimes. The backlash was swift and severe from many public figures.

Media and Public Reaction to the Comments

The response from other media outlets has been overwhelmingly critical. According to Vanity Fair, Kelly also accused mainstream media of focusing excessively on Donald Trump’s connections to Epstein. She argued this distracts from a victim-centered narrative.

The Daily Show host Josh Johnson offered a sharp rebuttal. He stated that while everyone knows the difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, there is never a good reason to discuss that difference. This sentiment echoed across many platforms.

Legal and medical definitions have also entered the conversation. Research from the National Library of Medicine was cited, noting that legal definitions often treat all child molestation offenders as pedophiles regardless of the victim’s specific age.

The fallout from Kelly’s Epstein comments continues to develop, highlighting the extreme sensitivity required when discussing victims of sexual crime and the legal terminology surrounding such cases.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly did Megyn Kelly say about Jeffrey Epstein?

She quoted a source saying Epstein was not a pedophile. Kelly stated he was into “barely-legal” 15-year-old girls. She clarified she was not excusing his behavior.

Why are people criticizing Megyn Kelly’s comments?

Critics say she minimized Epstein’s crimes against underage girls. Many argue the distinction she made is irrelevant and harmful. The comments sparked backlash across social and broadcast media.

How did Kelly defend her Epstein remarks?

She stated she was simply reporting facts from a source. Kelly emphasized she was not making excuses for Epstein. She claimed the source was in a position to know everything about the case.

What was the reaction from other media figures?

The Daily Show host Josh Johnson gave a notable response. He said there is never a good reason to discuss age differences among child victims. Many other commentators expressed similar criticism.

Did Kelly comment on Trump’s connection to the case?

Yes, she accused media of turning the story into a “Trump Story.” Kelly argued this focus distracts from proper investigation. She claimed the strategy hasn’t worked for media outlets.