Host Confronts Conservative on Megyn Kelly’s Epstein Comments

CNN host Erica Hill confronted conservative journalist Bradley Devlin during a recent segment regarding controversial comments made by Megyn Kelly about Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual abuse of minors. Hill challenged Devlin after he attempted to contextualize Kelly’s remarks, which have drawn significant criticism for their insensitivity.

During an episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” the former Fox News presenter claimed that a friend familiar with the Epstein case believed the financier was “not a pedophile” but rather “into the barely legal type.” Hill found this perspective troubling and questioned Devlin on its implications. She expressed her discomfort with the idea that such comments could suggest a difference in the acceptability of sexual abuse based on a victim’s age. “The thought of it and the thought of this person who she’s discussing somehow seeming to make the case that it’s okay if a girl is 15 versus 8. Bradley, why even raise that point?” Hill asked.

Devlin hesitated to defend Kelly’s remarks directly. He referenced a comedian who discusses medical distinctions in age-related abuse, stating, “If you mention any of this, you sound like a creep and you sound like a weirdo.” He attempted to clarify Kelly’s intent, suggesting she aimed to differentiate between the type of abuse associated with Epstein and the broader issues of child sex trafficking.

Hill, however, interrupted, firmly stating, “I’m going to stop you there because I don’t.” She emphasized that the conversation was not a comedic sketch and questioned what point Kelly was trying to make. Devlin struggled to articulate Kelly’s intent further, ultimately acknowledging that her distinction was “without difference,” as Hill had pointed out.

The discussion transitioned to Noel King, a journalist and podcaster from Vox, who condemned Kelly’s comments as “appalling.” King shared her personal connection, saying, “I have a 15-year-old niece, and what I would say is, I don’t think Megyn Kelly needs to articulate every single thing that crosses her mind.” This statement underscored the outrage surrounding Kelly’s remarks and highlighted the ongoing societal conversation about the normalization of harmful narratives regarding sexual abuse.

Hill’s segment highlighted the challenges in addressing sensitive topics in media and the responsibility of commentators to approach such discussions with care. As public figures like Kelly continue to make controversial statements, the reactions from hosts and fellow journalists illustrate the need for accountability in media discourse.