What the Megyn Kelly Blackface Comment Incident Involved
In October 2018, while serving as a host at NBC News, Megyn Kelly sparked a major controversy by discussing and partly mimicking blackface during a morning show segment about Halloween costumes. The discussion drew immediate criticism for trivializing a racist caricature with a painful history in American culture. This verified explainer clarifies what occurred, how it was responded to at NBC, and the professional consequences, while placing the incident in the broader context of media sensitivity and responsibility.
Key Details and Timeline of the Incident
What Megyn Kelly Said and Did
During a segment on Today, Megyn Kelly participated in a panel about whether blackface could be acceptable in Halloween costumes. On the show, she acknowledged that blackface was wrong but suggested it was only offensive if worn with malicious intent. In a later statement and in other appearances, she referenced an example involving a character named Lucy, which included references to her dressing as someone with darkened skin. The discussion and her phrasing were widely perceived as minimizing the historical harm of blackface. In response, she issued on-air apologies on Today and during a public address at NBC, acknowledging that her words were insensitive and committing to learning from the mistake.
- October 2018: Segment on Today discussing blackface costumes draws national attention and sharp criticism.
- Late October 2018: Megyn Kelly airs on-air apology on Today and delivers a personal statement at NBC.
- Early November 2018: NBC cancels a planned feature, parts of a special production, and ends Megyn Kelly’s contract, effectively ending her work at the network.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Segment | October 2018 | Network coverage and program archives |
| Public Apology Date | Late October 2018 | NBC Today show and official statement |
| Contract Outcome | Contract ended; Megyn Kelly departed NBC | Network announcements and credible media reports |
Context: Why Blackface Is Historically Harmful
Blackface is a minstrel show tradition dating back to the 19th century, in which non-Black performers darkened their skin to caricature and mock Black people. These performances propagated harmful stereotypes, mocked African American culture, and were part of systems that enforced racial discrimination. Because of this legacy, many people view any use of blackface—regardless of claimed intent—as deeply offensive and disrespectful. This historical background is central to understanding why the segment and Megyn Kelly’s comments were widely condemned by audiences, advocacy groups, and media critics.
Immediate Public and Professional Reactions
Social media and news outlets quickly amplified clips from the Today show, and several journalists and advocates called out the segment as harmful and poorly informed. Viewers canceled subscriptions and lodged complaints with NBC. Several colleagues and on-air personalities publicly disagreed with the framing of the discussion, emphasizing that intent does not erase impact. Brands and partners distanced themselves from Megyn Kelly, and NBC began an internal review, which concluded that the segment and related decisions were indefensible and inconsistent with the network’s standards.
Consequences at NBC and the End of the Megyn Kelly Relationship
Following the backlash, NBC News announced it was cancelling planned appearances and productions tied to Megyn Kelly. The network stated that she had apologized and that her contract was terminated as a result of the controversy. This move reflected both reputational risk management and a recognition that the incident undermined trust within the organization and with viewers. It also signaled heightened expectations around cultural competence and sensitivity for hosts and news professionals at major networks.
Broader Takeaways for Media Professionals
The megyn kelly black face comment episode highlights how discussions about race require care, historical awareness, and empathy. It serves as a case study in how quickly perceived missteps can escalate, damage credibility, and end careers in the current media landscape. For journalists and presenters, it reinforces the importance of researching the histories of the topics they cover, consulting diverse perspectives, and treating racial harm as real regardless of claimed intent. News organizations also face greater accountability to respond transparently when lapses occur.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Incident | 2018 | October 2018 Today show segment |
| On-Air Apology | Late October 2018 | Delivered on Today and in an NBC statement |
| Contract Outcome | Termination | End of Megyn Kelly’s role at NBC News |
| Brand and Partner Response | Distancing and cancellations | Brands pulled support; planned features scrapped |
Comparison: Media Missteps and Outcomes in Recent Years
| Person | Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Megyn Kelly | Blackface segment comments | Contract terminated; exit from NBC News |
| Other national hosts | Various insensitive remarks | Suspensions, apologies, or departures depending on severity and fallout |
Final Perspective
The megyn kelly black face comment remains a prominent example of how discussions about race can derail careers when handled without care and historical awareness. While Megyn Kelly apologized and acknowledged the harm caused, the response from NBC and the public underscored the non-negotiable nature of respecting the legacy of racist imagery. For audiences and media professionals alike, the incident reinforces the need for factual context, empathy, and vigilance in covering sensitive topics.