Megyn Kelly has come under significant criticism following comments made on her SiriusXM show regarding the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During the broadcast, Kelly suggested that Epstein should not be labeled a “pedophile,” instead asserting that he had a preference for “very young teen types,” specifically referring to girls aged 15.
Kelly’s remarks were based on information she claimed to have received from an unnamed source “very, very close to the case,” stating that Epstein “liked the barely legal type” rather than prepubescent children. She described the situation as “disgusting” but maintained that there is a distinction between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, questioning the accuracy of the commonly used term “pedophile” as it relates to Epstein.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The backlash against Kelly’s comments was swift and widespread. Notably, The Daily Show host Josh Johnson aired a clip of her remarks on Wednesday night, expressing disbelief at her argument. Johnson remarked, “How the hell was Megyn Kelly ever an attorney?” He criticized her framing as a form of “diet pedophilia,” emphasizing that while there may be a legal distinction between different ages, discussing such differences in this context is inappropriate.
Online critics echoed Johnson’s sentiments, accusing Kelly of downplaying the severity of Epstein’s actions. Advocates for survivors of sexual abuse highlighted that Epstein’s long-standing history of coercion and trafficking involved minors who were legally unable to provide consent, regardless of their age.
Adding to the controversy, Kelly expressed skepticism towards former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously claimed that Epstein possessed thousands of graphic videos involving minors. Kelly stated that she once believed Epstein was “an actual pedophile” but no longer trusts Bondi’s reporting on the issue.
Continued Fallout
Kelly has yet to issue a further response to the backlash surrounding her comments. The incident has sparked discussions about the language used to describe sexual abuse and the impact of framing these discussions in a way that may minimize the experiences of survivors.
As the conversation continues, advocates emphasize the importance of recognizing the gravity of such crimes, irrespective of the specific ages of the victims involved. The discourse around Kelly’s remarks serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding discussions of sexual abuse, particularly in high-profile cases like that of Jeffrey Epstein.