MEA CULPA

Megyn Kelly: ‘I Was Wrong and I’m Sorry’ for Blackface Remarks

After facing immediate condemnation from colleagues and the public.

Megyn Kelly apologized Wednesday for defending blackface in front of an all-white panel during her Tuesday show, after her comments were met with widespread reproach. The day after she said “I don’t see how [blackface] is racist on Halloween,” Kelly opened her show by saying, “I want to begin with two words: ‘I’m sorry,’” Now speaking in front of an all-black panel, she added: “Sometimes I talk and sometimes I listen, and yesterday I learned. I learned that given the history of blackface being used in awful ways by racists in this country, it is not OK for that to be part of any costume, Halloween or otherwise.” Kelly, appearing close to tears throughout the apology, then repeated the line she used in an apology to staff: “I’ve never been a PC kind of person, but I do understand the value in being sensitive to our history, particularly on race and ethnicity. This past year has been so painful for many people of color.” She concluded by noting that “The country feels so divided and I have no wish to add to that pain and offense. I believe this is time for more understanding, more love, more sensitivity, and honor. I want to be part of that. Thank you for listening and for helping me listen too.” Her apology received a standing ovation.

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Megyn Kelly Defends Blackface on Halloween

Olivia Messer