Megyn Kelly's SiriusXM show sparked outrage after she downplayed Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, describing him as a preference for "very young teen types," specifically 15-year-old girls. In an interview, the TV host claimed that there was a distinction between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, which made her question whether the widely used term "pedophile" was accurate.
Kelly cited an unnamed source who told her that Epstein had a predilection for "barely legal type," but stopped short of saying he prepubescent children. Her argument came as she also cast doubt on statements from former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who claimed that Epstein possessed thousands of graphic videos involving minors.
Kelly's remarks were met with swift backlash, including criticism from "The Daily Show" host Josh Johnson, who called her comments a form of "diet pedophilia." Johnson pointed out that there was a clear difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, but argued that no one should be discussing those differences. Critics online echoed Johnson's sentiments, accusing Kelly of minimizing the severity of Epstein's abuse.
Survivor advocates expressed concern that Kelly's distinction could be seen as damaging, highlighting that Epstein's decades-long pattern of coercion and trafficking involved minors who were incapable of consent regardless of age. The comments sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Kelly to apologize or clarify her stance on the issue.
Kelly cited an unnamed source who told her that Epstein had a predilection for "barely legal type," but stopped short of saying he prepubescent children. Her argument came as she also cast doubt on statements from former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who claimed that Epstein possessed thousands of graphic videos involving minors.
Kelly's remarks were met with swift backlash, including criticism from "The Daily Show" host Josh Johnson, who called her comments a form of "diet pedophilia." Johnson pointed out that there was a clear difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, but argued that no one should be discussing those differences. Critics online echoed Johnson's sentiments, accusing Kelly of minimizing the severity of Epstein's abuse.
Survivor advocates expressed concern that Kelly's distinction could be seen as damaging, highlighting that Epstein's decades-long pattern of coercion and trafficking involved minors who were incapable of consent regardless of age. The comments sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Kelly to apologize or clarify her stance on the issue.