In a recent interview, Megyn Kelly sparked controversy with her comments regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. During a discussion with journalist Batya Ungar-Sargon, she revealed her previous belief that Epstein was not a pedophile. She asserted that because his victims were around 15 years old, she did not initially categorize him as such.
Megyn Kelly’s Controversial Statements
Kelly defended her views by citing information from a source close to the Epstein case. She claimed this person informed her that Epstein preferred “barely legal” individuals, suggesting that he did not engage with younger children. “He liked 15-year-old girls,” she stated, adding that he was not interested in much younger victims.
Her remarks shifted after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s claims that Epstein possessed numerous videos featuring child sexual abuse material. Following this revelation, Kelly expressed her reconsideration of Epstein’s actions. “For the first time, I thought, oh, no, he was an actual pedophile,” she admitted. However, she also stated her skepticism regarding the credibility of Bondi’s claims. “I don’t know whether it’s true,” she said.
Public Backlash Against Kelly
The comments made by Megyn Kelly quickly drew criticism. Many observers deemed her statements as minimizing the severity of Epstein’s actions. Democratic strategist Ally Sammarco remarked that the remarks could be “career-ending” for Kelly. She emphasized that 15-year-olds are indeed children and should not be viewed through a lens that excuses exploitation.
Additionally, activist Shannon Watts criticized Kelly’s attempts to present Epstein’s actions as somehow less offensive if the victims were of a certain age. The backlash indicates a significant public concern regarding the implications of Kelly’s defense of Epstein.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s comments have reignited debates surrounding age, consent, and the responsibilities of public figures when discussing sensitive topics such as sexual abuse. As the dialogue continues, the fallout from her remarks raises questions about accountability and the perceptions of victims in high-profile cases like that of Jeffrey Epstein.
