Story perspectives

Backlash Erupts as Megyn Kelly Defends Epstein Comments

11/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Megyn Kelly faced backlash for saying Jeffrey Epstein was "not a pedophile" because he preyed on "barely legal" 15-year-olds, citing a source close to the case.
Critics, including Bill Maher, social media users, and advocacy groups, condemned the remarks as minimizing Epstein's actions and labeled them reckless.
Kelly defended her stance, arguing that the media's focus on Epstein's ties to U.S. President Donald Trump detracted from victims' stories.

History

Historical Context

Jeffrey Epstein's legal troubles began in 2005 when Palm Beach police investigated allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. In 2008, he received a controversial plea deal from then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, resulting in just 13 months in a work-release program. Epstein's 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges reignited public scrutiny over systemic failures in protecting victims and accountability for powerful offenders.

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Story summary

Megyn Kelly faced backlash for saying Jeffrey Epstein was "not a pedophile" because he preyed on "barely legal" 15-year-olds, citing a source close to the case.
Critics, including Bill Maher, social media users, and advocacy groups, condemned the remarks as minimizing Epstein's actions and labeled them reckless.
Kelly defended her stance, arguing that the media's focus on Epstein's ties to U.S. President Donald Trump detracted from victims' stories.

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