Megyn Kelly, a conservative radio host, has drawn criticism for remarks made about the alleged victim in a Cornell University gang rape case. On her show, Kelly questioned the accuser's appearance and suggested she may have enjoyed the encounter, remarks that sparked a significant backlash.
The accuser, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges that she was incapacitated by alcohol and drugs at the Chi Phi fraternity house and subsequently assaulted by multiple men. According to reports, one of the accused men sent a group chat message referring to the victim as "free pussy."
The university's internal disciplinary process resulted in two of the seven named men being expelled, two suspended, and three receiving lesser punishments. While criminal charges were not initially filed, the district attorney's office later reopened its investigation into the allegations.
Kelly's comments, made on Monday, alluded to images of the accuser shared on social media. "She's not the most attractive gal, she's extremely beefy in like her arms and her legs," Kelly stated. She further suggested that the victim might have "liked the feeling of being sexy and desired and wanted" and implied this desire led her to consent. "Why do we have to go right to, ‘She’s a victim,’" Kelly questioned, according to reports.
Kelly also targeted pop star Olivia Rodrigo, who had expressed solidarity with the accuser and shared a post about a similar high-profile rape allegation at Columbia University. Kelly advised Rodrigo to "shut up and stick to singing" and suggested the singer did not understand the situation.
While many public figures have voiced support for the accuser, Kelly's comments align with a segment of right-wing personalities who have publicly defended the accused men, casting doubt on the victim's account. The controversy highlights ongoing debates surrounding sexual assault allegations, victim blaming, and the role of public figures in discussing such sensitive cases.