Megyn Kelly criticized CNN analyst Van Jones, labeling him a “co-sick,” and accused him of labeling Charlie Kirk as “racist” just two days prior to Kirk’s shooting. She pointed out that Jones adjusted his tone posthumously to safeguard his reputation.
Kelly reacted to Jones’ essay shared on CNN, where he disclosed that Kirk had reached out to him in a private message the day before he was killed on September 10th.
During her SiriusXM show, Kelly remarked on how Jones “will come out with a great story about Charlie on Friday. Even conservatives are supporting Van now, as he probably expected.”
“But I’m not one of those people—not today,” Kelly added.
She recounted a time when Jones purportedly offered to defend her during the 2018 Blackface controversy but later backed out.
Kelly expressed her feelings about the situation, stating, “I just wanted to let you know what’s happening. It’s really wrong, and I hope you’re okay.”
She noted, “It’s kind of touching, right? A Black man in media, so he definitely understands.” On her Monday show, she recalled how Jones later reversed his stance, saying, “Sorry, but I’ve changed my mind. I recently collaborated with Jared Kushner, so I can’t assist.”
Kelly found this reversal particularly striking, especially given Jones’ earlier comments surrounding Charlie’s situation.
On September 8th, during his CNN appearance, Jones had criticized Kirk for suggesting race was a factor in the murder of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zaratska. Kirk referenced a witness claiming the murderer said, “I got that white girl.”
Kelly accused Jones of implicating Kirk just days before the shooting occurred.
Though she mentioned that she didn’t think Jones was responsible for the murder, she felt he altered his narrative following Kirk’s death to shield himself from criticism.
Kelly described how she believed Jones was panicking after the incident, saying, “Van Jones, given what happened to Charlie on Wednesday, is obviously concerned.” She also accused him of presenting himself as a victim.
Her advice was straightforward: “You should have either remained silent or not volunteered information. No need to fabricate threats.”
This article sought comment from Jones.
In his essay, Jones acknowledged questioning several of Kirk’s previous statements, some of which were strong, yet emphasized he would never question Kirk’s right to express them. “I had no trouble condemning his murder immediately and unequivocally,” Jones stated.
