Megyn Kelly has publicly criticized actress Sandra Bullock's expressed fears about the safety of her two adopted Black children. Kelly, a former television host, described Bullock as a "low-information voter" who has embraced a "false narrative" regarding policing and safety in the United States.
Bullock, who is white, adopted Louis, 16, in 2010, and Laila, 13, in 2015. She recently spoke about her "uber paranoid" feelings regarding her children's safety due to the current social climate. Bullock stated that she worries about what her children might experience when they leave her home, acknowledging that their race makes them vulnerable in ways she fears she cannot fully protect them from. She noted that while her fame might offer some protection, the lack of obvious family resemblance means they could be perceived differently when outside her care.
Kelly interpreted Bullock's comments as echoing sentiments she associates with the Black Lives Matter movement and figures like LeBron James, suggesting Bullock believes "Black men are being hunted in the streets of America." Kelly argued that such narratives are harmful and have led to a decrease in police presence in underserved communities, indirectly causing harm to Black Americans. Kelly specifically targeted Bullock, stating, "woke white liberals like Sandra Bullock" make the world unsafe by criticizing police.
However, reporting indicates that Bullock has not made public comments, either positive or negative, about the police. Kelly also questioned Bullock's choice of residence, mentioning her homes in New Orleans and New York, areas with significant Black and minority populations. Kelly suggested Bullock's fears were misplaced and based on a "fantasy" disconnected from her reality.
Bullock has previously discussed the nuances of parenting children of color, emphasizing her need to prepare them for potential societal challenges while also learning to trust them. She articulated a desire to ensure her anxiety about their safety is both accurate and protective.