1. Her Fox News Legacy: Conservative Leaning and Partisanship
Kelly gained national attention as a star anchor at Fox News, a network known for its conservative bent. During her time at Fox, she hosted The Kelly File, where she covered political issues from a perspective often aligned with the conservative agenda. Many of her critics accuse her of promoting divisive political rhetoric, particularly during Barack Obama’s presidency. Some people feel that her reporting was biased and that she contributed to the polarization in American media, where news often reinforces political echo chambers.
Fox News has always been a flashpoint for political tension, and being a prominent face of the network put Kelly in the crosshairs of liberal viewers and pundits. Her association with Fox led to assumptions about her personal politics, and though she occasionally criticized right-wing figures, she was seen as part of the broader Fox machine that many on the left vehemently despised. While Fox's audience loved her for the same reasons, her affiliation with the network made her an easy target for critics who blamed Fox for inflaming political tensions in the U.S.
2. The 2016 Donald Trump Feud
One of the pivotal moments in Kelly's career that drew significant public attention—and animosity—was her public feud with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries. During a Fox News-hosted debate, Kelly asked Trump a pointed question about his history of derogatory remarks toward women. This question ignited a firestorm, with Trump responding by attacking Kelly personally, even making an infamous comment implying that Kelly's tough questioning was due to her menstruation, saying she had “blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever.”
Trump’s loyal base rallied against Kelly, who was inundated with vitriol and threats from his supporters. Trump himself continued to lash out at Kelly on social media, further intensifying the animosity between his fan base and Kelly. In a political climate where Trump’s supporters were fiercely protective of him, Kelly became a symbol of the “liberal media” attacking their candidate, despite her conservative platform at Fox. This controversy turned many Trump supporters against Kelly, and some have never forgiven her for what they see as an unfair attack on Trump.
3. Her Transition to NBC and the Blackface Controversy
Kelly’s departure from Fox News in 2017 and subsequent move to NBC was seen as an attempt to reinvent herself, stepping away from her conservative roots to appeal to a broader, more mainstream audience. NBC offered her a morning show, Megyn Kelly Today, which aimed to showcase a more personable side of the anchor. However, her transition to NBC was rocky from the start. The ratings of her show were underwhelming, and critics often accused her of lacking warmth or relatability, key components of daytime television success.
The final nail in the coffin came in October 2018, when Kelly made controversial remarks about blackface during a segment on Halloween costumes. In a discussion about the appropriateness of certain costumes, Kelly expressed confusion about why wearing blackface was considered offensive, saying that it was acceptable when she was younger “as long as you were dressing up as a character.” These comments sparked immediate outrage, with many accusing her of being racially insensitive and ignorant about the historical context of blackface and its deeply offensive connotations in America.
Kelly apologized for the remarks, both on-air and in writing, but the damage was done. NBC swiftly canceled her show, and her departure from the network soon followed. For many, this incident cemented Kelly’s image as someone out of touch with social and racial issues, exacerbating the perception that she was incapable of evolving in her views. Her detractors saw the blackface controversy as proof that Kelly was part of a broader problem in media regarding the normalization of racist attitudes.
4. Criticism from the Left and the Right
Megyn Kelly’s unique position in American media has subjected her to criticism from both the left and the right. Her conservative past at Fox has alienated many liberals, who view her as a figurehead of divisive right-wing media. For years, she was perceived as pushing a conservative agenda that reinforced political divides. Her criticism of Donald Trump in 2016 made her a target of his base, and her attempt to transition to a more moderate or liberal-leaning network like NBC was seen as opportunistic or insincere by some on the left.
Meanwhile, her conservative fanbase didn’t entirely embrace her transition to a more centrist position. Her feud with Trump made her persona non grata with many on the right, particularly Trump loyalists who viewed her questioning of their candidate as a betrayal. Thus, Kelly found herself in a no-man’s-land—too liberal for conservatives and too conservative for liberals.
This dual criticism has contributed to her polarizing image. In a media landscape where public figures often align closely with their audience's political views, Kelly's attempts to straddle different political factions left her without a clear base of support. To many, she has become emblematic of media figures who lack consistency or authenticity in their political stances, which has only further fueled the disdain for her from both sides.
5. Her Perceived Arrogance and Opportunism
Another factor that has contributed to Megyn Kelly's unpopularity is the perception of arrogance and opportunism. Critics have often pointed to her high-profile career moves—from Fox to NBC, and later to launching her own media venture—as evidence that she prioritizes personal ambition over principles. This has led to accusations that Kelly will say or do whatever it takes to advance her career, irrespective of the consequences or the public reaction.
Her critics argue that Kelly is more focused on her brand and her financial success than on genuine journalistic integrity. Her rocky transition from Fox to NBC and the subsequent controversies have only reinforced the view that she lacks a coherent identity or moral center. To many, Kelly embodies the worst aspects of the media industry—someone willing to shift political allegiances or positions for the sake of maintaining relevance or personal gain.
6. The Complexity of Public Figures and Media
It’s important to note that Megyn Kelly’s story is part of a broader debate about the role of media figures in shaping public discourse. As a high-profile journalist and host, Kelly has wielded significant influence, and with that comes scrutiny. The media’s role in a polarized political environment makes figures like Kelly lightning rods for public sentiment, whether positive or negative.
While many may hate her, Kelly also has supporters who admire her for standing up to powerful figures like Trump or for her unapologetic style. However, the accumulation of controversial moments, career shifts, and public missteps has undoubtedly led to a complex and fraught relationship with the public.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly is a figure who evokes strong reactions, both positive and negative. Her history at Fox News, the feud with Donald Trump, the blackface controversy at NBC, and her attempts to transition from conservative media to mainstream networks have all contributed to her polarizing reputation. While some view her as a principled journalist, many others see her as opportunistic, divisive, or out of touch. The reasons for the widespread dislike of Kelly are multifaceted, ranging from political disagreements to personal perceptions, but one thing is clear: she remains one of the most talked-about figures in American media.
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