Controversial comments on Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump spark backlash as Kelly questions established labels and connections

What She Said

22 November 2025: On her podcast, Megyn Kelly made several striking comments about Jeffrey Epstein, his victims and his connections to Donald Trump. Kelly claimed she knew someone “very, very close” to the Epstein case who believed Epstein was not a pedophile, but instead focused on “very young teen types that could pass for even younger.” She added she was not trying to excuse the behavior, but still drew a distinction between, for example, a 15-year-old and an 8-year-old.

In the same interview, Kelly also challenged the narrative linking Trump to Epstein’s trafficking network. She stated that despite the released emails mentioning Trump, she had seen no definitive proof of his involvement, and suggested that focusing on Trump detracted from the victims and broader story.

Why the Comments Are Causing Outrage

Kelly’s comments have triggered significant backlash:

Critics argue that by distinguishing between ages and using terms like “barely legal” or “very young teen,” she is minimizing the severity of sexual abuse.

Her remarks about Trump’s relationship to Epstein provoked frustration as many believe the focus should be on the victims and the abuse rather than political associations.

Teen activists and former child actors responded by emphasising that a 15-year-old is still a minor and deserving of protection — not distinction.

The Broader Implication

Beyond the immediate reaction, Kelly’s statements raise important questions:

How society talks about victims of sexual abuse and the language used matters deeply — distinguishing types of victims or offenders can undermine accountability.

The focus on political figures tied to Epstein risks overshadowing the experiences of the survivors and the systemic nature of the abuse.

A media personality attempting to re-frame such narratives may influence public perception, especially given Kelly’s platforms and audience reach.

What’s Next

Kelly has remained defiant, insisting she was simply sharing what she believed to be facts and challenging media narratives rather than offering defence for Epstein or Trump. The episode has also drawn renewed attention to newly released Epstein-related documents, the role of mainstream media in covering the story and how political allegiances shape the conversation.

Final Thought

HOLR breaks down the story here: Kelly’s remarks have ignited a debate about how sexual abuse is discussed publicly, and how the intersection of celebrity, politics and media framing can complicate the focus on victims. While she states no apology is forthcoming, the response underlines that such issues demand precision, empathy and clarity — not distinctions that risk sounding like justification.