Megyn Kelly Criticizes Joy Reid
Megyn Kelly has made strong accusations against former MSNBC host Joy Reid, referring to her as an “insane lunatic” and “very racist,” while also expressing doubts about the success of Reid’s new podcast.
In a conversation with Miranda Devine from The Post, Kelly, who previously worked at NBC with Reid, was asked to share her thoughts on her former colleague. She didn’t hold back: “Joy Reid is an insane lunatic who is, frankly, extremely racist. She’s never seen a white person she likes.”
Kelly elaborated, suggesting that the only way a white person might gain Reid’s favor is by condescending to her or affirming her intelligence. She claimed, “These people believe that her Harvard degree is real and pretend to be lesser beings because she wants us to believe she’s everything.” This sentiment hints at some personal experiences or perhaps observations Kelly has made before.
In 2023, Reid contributed an essay for MSNBC discussing her entry into Harvard, which she attributed to affirmative action.
Kelly further criticized NBC’s decision to distance itself from Reid, implying they had “had enough of her.” She believes that Reid’s ambition in independent media is unlikely to succeed. “Joy Reid is going to fail in the independent lane because she’s too toxic,” Kelly stated. She argued that Reid’s departure reflects a broader trend: liberal hosts struggle to transition their followings online, being outmatched by conservative voices that thrive outside of corporate media constraints.
“There are no sacred cows,” Kelly mentioned, emphasizing her ability to express her views freely.
Reid was let go by MSNBC earlier this year amidst a broader network restructuring prompted by a decline in viewership post the 2024 elections. While Reid implied that her firing was tied to management’s discomfort with her coverage of certain topics, insiders suggested her ratings and controversies surrounding her social media presence played a significant role.
After her departure, Reid faced backlash from progressives, with many colleagues calling it a hit to diversity in the cable news landscape. Conversely, former President Trump celebrated the decision online, while figures like Rachel Maddow criticized MSNBC for what they perceived as unfair treatment.
Now, as MSNBC has officially separated from NBC News after nearly three decades, it is set to form a new cable group called Versant, expected to operate under the brand “MS Now” later this year. This shift will give MSNBC its editorial independence and a standalone newsroom.
