UPDATE: Tensions escalate between fitness influencer Jillian Michaels and CNN host Abby Phillip following Michaels’ controversial comments on slavery during a live broadcast. This confrontation, which aired on August 13, 2023, has ignited a fierce debate that is now spilling over into social media.
Michaels, known for her role on The Biggest Loser, sparked outrage when she suggested during her appearance on Newsnight that slavery cannot be blamed solely on white Americans, citing that only 2 percent of White Americans owned slaves. Her remarks quickly drew criticism for downplaying the historical impact of slavery in the United States.
In a follow-up monologue on August 19, 2023, Phillip responded directly to Michaels’ statements, stating that they “shocked the table” and reaffirming the consensus that “slavery was indeed bad. It was evil, the nation’s original sin.” Phillip emphasized the importance of discussing such topics openly, especially in light of former President Donald Trump’s claims regarding cultural institutions like the Smithsonian being too focused on America’s slavery history.
In a fiery post on X, Michaels took aim at Phillip, suggesting she should learn from conservative commentator Megyn Kelly to improve her ratings. “Hey Abby Phillip, maybe take notes from Megyn Kelly. Could help ya move outta last place,” she wrote, sharing a video link where Kelly criticized Phillip’s reporting. Michaels defended her earlier remarks, stating, “I said ‘slavery has been around for thousands of years’. America is 249 years old. The more ya know.”
Phillip didn’t hold back in her condemnation of Michaels’ comments, labeling them “incredibly misleading.” In a video posted on CNN’s account, she challenged Michaels’ assertion about the percentage of slave owners, clarifying that the entire nation benefited from the “economic system of slavery.” “Slavery in the United States was about race. It was about white supremacy, and it was really, really bad,” Phillip said.
The back-and-forth highlights a growing divide in American discourse surrounding race and history, particularly as political figures continue to manipulate narratives for their agendas. Phillip called for honest dialogue, stating, “What we try to do on this program is create a platform for discussion that reflects the very real differences that exist in this country.”
As this story develops, viewers and social media users alike are left questioning the implications of such public debates on race and history. The fallout from this confrontation may impact both Michaels and Phillip moving forward, particularly as they navigate their respective platforms and audiences.
Stay tuned for further updates on this escalating conflict as both personalities continue to share their views and defend their positions.