Megyn Kelly’s Colleagues Bash Her Following Blackface Controversy
Published -
- October 26, 2018
- 8:42 pm
Megyn Kelly’s co-workers at NBC were apparently not big fans of hers.
And they ultimately expressed as much, as Kelly was effectively booted from her hour of the Today show following her comments on using blackface for Halloween…
Why was Kelly ultimately let go from NBC News?
Megyn Kelly, former NBC News anchor and Fox News personality, has been the center of controversy recently due to her comments about wearing blackface for Halloween. She expressed her belief on her show “Megyn Kelly Today” that wearing blackface as part of a costume was acceptable in some situations, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from her colleagues and the public.
Following her remarks, many of Kelly’s colleagues publicly criticized her stance, with some even calling for her to be fired. Al Roker, weather anchor for NBC’s “Today” show, addressed Kelly’s comments on air, saying, “While she apologized to the staff, she owes a bigger apology to folks of color around the country because this is a history going back to the 1830s. Minstrel shows to demean and denigrate a race wasn’t right.”
Craig Melvin, co-anchor of the third hour of “Today,” also spoke out, saying, “The fact is, while she apologized to the staff, she owes a broader apology to folks of color across the country.” In addition, NBC News chairman Andy Lack condemned Kelly’s remarks in a memo, writing, “There is no place on our air or in this workplace for them. Very unfortunate.”
Even Kelly’s former colleagues at Fox News did not defend her, with Fox News host Harris Faulkner saying, “This has nothing to do with politics. It’s just wrong.” Fox’s Guy Benson also chimed in, saying, “It’s inappropriate, it’s offensive, and it’s cringe-worthy.”
Kelly, who had joined NBC News in 2017, apologized for her comments both privately to colleagues and publicly on-air, stating, “I realize now that such behavior is indeed wrong, and I am sorry. The history of blackface in our culture is abhorrent; the wounds too deep.”
Despite her apology, Kelly was ultimately let go from NBC News. In a statement, the network said, “Given the circumstances, Megyn Kelly Today will be on tape the rest of the week. Today’s episode was a pre-taped show. Megyn Kelly is no longer an employee of NBC.”
Kelly’s comments and subsequent firing have reignited conversations about the history of blackface and its impact on marginalized communities. While some may argue that Kelly’s remarks were an isolated incident, they serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding the impact our words and actions can have on others.
In the future, it is imperative for public figures to think carefully about what they say and how it may affect others, and to take responsibility for any harm caused by their actions. As we move towards a more inclusive society, it is crucial that we listen to and learn from those who have been historically marginalized, and make strides towards creating a more equitable world for all.
