Megyn Kelly Slams ABC Over Chris Harrison Firing While Jimmy Kimmel Faces No Consequences

Fox News and podcast host Megyn Kelly sharply criticized ABC on Tuesday for what she called a blatant double standard in how the network handled two high-profile controversies involving its talent.

Kelly targeted ABC’s decision to oust Chris Harrison, longtime host of The Bachelor franchise, after he defended a contestant accused of racism in 2021. She argued that Harrison was unfairly forced into a humiliating public apology by ABC Entertainment.

“Chris Harrison … The nicest guy, I mean, not controversial at all, like such a sweet guy, universally liked,” Kelly said. “He was forced to self-flagellate in the most humiliating display by ABC Entertainment.”

Kelly contrasted ABC’s treatment of Harrison with its inaction toward late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump being an “expectant widow” during his show in 2018. ABC, which syndicates Jimmy Kimmel Live!, took no disciplinary action against Kimmel.

“ABC is now apparently FINE with ‘She’s got the glow of an expectant widow.’ That’s fine. That’s no problem,” Kelly remarked.

She went on to accuse ABC of applying rules inconsistently based on political affiliation:

“We must make them play by their own rules. Those rules don’t get bent when the party who’s been targeted and offended is a Republican victim, as opposed to one of the Democrats’ favorite people or causes.”

Kelly also referenced her own 2018 controversy, when she defended the idea of blackface Halloween costumes on her Today show. She recalled the backlash she faced from NBC’s Al Roker, who publicly criticized her apology.

“That happened to me too,” she said. “Al Roker got on the air at NBC and was like, ‘She needs to do a better apology. She has to racialize her apology and apologize specifically to black people.’ Here’s your apology, Al: Go f--k yourself, fat man! F--k off! For so many years I’ve wanted to say this, so I did.”

Kelly’s comments come amid ongoing debates about cancel culture, media accountability, and perceived bias in entertainment and news industries.

Watch the full segment below: