Carlo Allegri/Reuters
Megyn Kelly on Tuesday released a statement defending her decision to interview right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, despite outcry from Sandy Hook parents repulsed by giving a platform to a man who claims the elementary school mass shooting was a hoax and never happened. Kelly wrote: “I understand and respect the decision of the event organizers but I’m of course disappointed that I won’t be there to support them on Wednesday night. I find Alex Jones’ suggestion that Sandy Hook was ‘a hoax’ as personally revolting as every other rational person does. It left me, and many other Americans, asking the very question that prompted this interview: How does Jones, who traffics in these outrageous conspiracy theories, have the respect of the president of the United States and a growing audience of millions? President Trump, by praising and citing him, appearing on his show, and giving him White House press credentials, has helped elevate Jones, to the alarm of many. Our goal in sitting down with him was to shine a light—as journalists are supposed to do—on this influential figure, and yes—to discuss the considerable falsehoods he has promoted with near impunity.”