Outrage Erupts as Megyn Kelly’s Comments on Jeffrey Epstein Victims Spark Backlash
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A wave of condemnation from former child actresses and advocates is building after journalist Megyn Kelly appeared to minimize teh age of victims in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The controversy ignited following comments made on “The Megyn Kelly Show” on November 12, prompting a powerful social media response emphasizing that 15-year-olds are unequivocally children.
Kelly, during a discussion with NewsNation host Batya Ungar-Sargon, revealed her belief that some of the girls who accused Epstein “looked older than they were, but would look legal to a passer-by.”
The comments promptly drew criticism, particularly given that the age of consent in the United States varies between 16 and 18, and sexual activity with anyone under 16 is illegal nationwide. NPR reached out to Megyn Kelly for comment and will update this story if a response is received.
The backlash was swift and widespread,with many taking to social media to assert that a 15-year-old is undeniably a child. Actress and activist cynthia Nixon voiced her outrage on Instagram, directly addressing Kelly: “Megyn Kelly, I have a question for you, from one mother to another,” she wrote. “If Jeffrey Epstein were still alive,would you be comfortable with your teenage daughter being alone with him in his mansion? […] And please, don’t say 15 is barely legal. It is 100% illegal, and you know that.”
Joining Nixon was Christina Ricci, a former child actor herself, who posted on her Instagram story, “This woman is a danger to children.” While that story has since expired,its message resonated deeply. Valerie Bertinelli, known for her role in “One Day at a Time,” shared a 1975 photo of herself at age 15, emphatically stating, “This picture was taken in 1975. I’m 15. I’m a child. I’m gonna say this a little louder for those in the back row. I’m FIFTEEN. I’M A CHILD.” bertinelli’s post sparked a broader movement, encouraging others to “flood the Internet with pictures of all of us at 15.”
Teenagers join the Conversation
The response wasn’t limited to celebrities.A 14-year-old identifying herself as Eloise posted a TikTok video from the account @cheeringforchange, offering a “reality check from a literal child.” “The minute adults start defending predators by debating the age of a child, you’re not protecting the truth. You’re protecting the predator.And you shouldn’t need a freshman to tell you that,” she stated.
Epstein Survivors Push for Transparency
The controversy surrounding Kelly’s comments unfolded as survivors of Epstein’s abuse, many of whom were under 18 at the time of their victimization, continue to advocate for the full release of Department of Justice files related to the case. On Tuesday, eight survivors released a “national PSA” in partnership with World Without Exploitation, a coalition working to end human trafficking. The PSA featured photos of the women at ages 14 to 17 and concluded with a call for justice: “It’s time to bring the secrets out of the shadows. It’s time to shine a light into the darkness.”
World without Exploitation’s website urges Americans to contact their representatives in support of the epstein Files Transparency Act, which aims to “shed light on the enablers, co-conspirators, and institutional protections that allowed Epstein’s operation to flourish.”
House Vote Follows Outcry
The public outcry following Kelly’s comments coincided with the House of Representatives’ nearly unanimous vote to publicly release the full slate of Department of Justice files on Epstein’s child sex trafficking. The President, after initially expressing reservations, reversed his position and indicated he would sign the legislation if it passes the Senate.
The unfolding events underscore the enduring trauma caused by Epstein’s crimes and the ongoing fight for accountability and transparency. Jennifer Vanasco edited this story.
