Former CNN host Don Lemon publicly criticized former Fox News host Megyn Kelly on Monday for celebrating the cancellation of Joy Reid's MSNBC show, The ReidOut. This public spat has drawn attention as both personalities are no strangers to controversy.
During his daily podcast, Lemon took direct aim at Kelly, referring to her as a "racist" and questioning her authenticity as an advocate for women. He expressed frustration about Kelly’s celebration of Reid's departure from the network, saying, "The worst person? No, Megyn Kelly! The worst person on television was fired from NBC and The Today Show, and that's Megyn Kelly." Lemon's remarks were pointed; he wanted to draw attention not only to Kelly's behavior following Reid's show's cancellation but also to her history and past controversies.
Kelly had issued her own statement on social media, saying, "Good riddance to the absolute worst person on television, and shame on NBC for letting it go on this long." This comment was made after Reid was recently let go, following her polarizing run at MSNBC. Joy Reid has long been seen as both an icon and controversial figure on the network, well-known for her outspoken criticism of Republican figures, including Donald Trump.
"Lemon's accusations alleged Kelly’s support for women was more of a facade than honest advocacy," one insider noted. Lemon pointed out Kelly's lack of genuine support for women over her public persona, saying, "Instead of supporting – just remind, Megyn Kelly is allegedly, right, … she’s not as supportive of women as she makes out to be." This jab not only questioned Kelly's dedication to women's issues but also underscored Lemon’s perspective on her motives.
The tension between Kelly and Lemon was palpable during the podcast discussion. Lemon stated, "I don’t want to be one of those people whose Google profile begins with 'Don Lemon Calls Out.' It’s gauche, it’s unseemly, and it’s beneath me, and it should be beneath her." His comments painted Kelly as someone who thrives on controversy, amplifying her public persona through confrontations.
Lemon's disdain stems from his own exit from CNN where he was known for his blunt and often polarizing commentary. After being let go, the fallout of his comments and missteps continued to plague him, yet he remains unafraid to address issues head-on, even at the expense of others.
On the other hand, Kelly’s comments about Joy Reid emerged from her personal interpretations of Reid's previous remarks, particularly those concerning "white women tears." Reid’s past interpretation of these emotions during the Kyle Rittenhouse trial drew backlash, serving as fodder for Kelly's critique. Kelly's posts implied Reid's emotionality was hypocritical, setting the stage for Lemon's retort.
Throughout the conversation, Lemon's directness highlighted how his personal experiences have shaped his opinions on media figures like Kelly. He maintained strong criticisms of what he viewed as hypocrisy, saying, "She has, you know, she has an ax to grind when it goes to MSNBC. And also, you know, … she’s racist, right?" referring to Kelly’s past remarks and actions.
Despite the attacks, both parties wield considerable influence over their respective audiences. Lemon's statements reach those who feel marginalized and seek representation, whereas Kelly’s rhetoric appeals to right-wing audiences, often rallying those who share her sentiments.
The conversation surrounding Joy Reid's cancellation adds another layer to the already complex dynamics between Lemon and Kelly. Network insiders had indicated Reid was symbolic of MSNBC's shift under new leadership with Rebecca Kutler, whose plans for restructuring the network have left many viewers questioning the future programming direction.
Reid issued her own response on social media to thank her supporters and express gratitude for past opportunities, reinforcing her connection with her audience. Amid this backdrop, lemon’s antagonistic stance toward Kelly gains heightened relevance as it adds to the public dialogue about race, gender, and media representation.
Lemon’s practical remarks reveal his perspective on media ethics and accountability, as he remarked, “I said what I said.” This indicates his resolve to stand by his opinions without wavering, even as public opinion might shift.
With both Lemon and Kelly now engaged in this public feud, observers are left to speculate how it will play out and how it might influence both their careers going forward. Given the volatility of public perception and the unpredictable nature of media contention, the only certainty is more dialogue between the two.