Megyn Kelly defends blackface on ‘Today’ show, slammed by social media

UPDATED 12:41 p.m., Oct. 23: Megyn Kelly apologizes for her blackface remarks — REPORT

Megyn Kelly on Tuesday caught heat on social media once again, this time, for comments she made during “Megyn Kelly Today” about dressing up in blackface for Halloween.

During a panel discussion, Kelly wondered “But what is racist?” when it comes to costumes choices for the October holiday.

“Because you do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface on Halloween, or a black person that puts on whiteface for Halloween,” she said. “And back when I was a kid, that was OK, as long as you were dressing up as, like, a character.”

Later in the day, Kelly reportedly issued an internal email apology to her NBC colleagues about her comments, according to hollywoodreporter.com

According to the site, Kelly wrote,in part: “One of the wonderful things about my job is that I get the chance to express and hear a lot of opinions. Today is one of those days where listening carefully to other points of view, including from friends and colleagues, is leading me to rethink my own views. …I’ve never been a ‘pc’ kind of person — but I understand that we do need to be more sensitive in this day and age. Particularly on race and ethnicity issues which, far from being healed, have been exacerbated in our politics over the past year. This is a time for more understanding, love, sensitivity and honor, and I want to be part of that. I look forward to continuing that discussion.””

On “Today,” Kelly sought to expand her stance, musing about a recent controversy on “The Real Housewives of New York.”

“There was a controversy on ‘The Real Housewives of New York’ with Luann (de Lesseps). She dressed as Diana Ross, and she made her skin look darker than it really is. And people said that that was racist. And I don’t know!” she explained. “I thought like, who doesn’t love Diana Ross? She wants to look like Diana Ross for one day, and I don’t know how that got racist on Halloween.”

Her comments were rejected by the group at the “Today” table and plenty of people on social media reacted similarly:

Actor Patton Oswalt took to Twitter to disagree with Kelly, saying blackface was “NOT okay” when they were kids, which she claimed.

“Dear @megynkelly — you and I are approximately the same age. Blackface was NOT okay when we were kids,” he tweeted. Take it from a big-hearted boy who just wanted to show his love for Nipsey Russell on the worst Halloween of my life.”

“Megyn Kelly is proof that being book smart doesn’t prevent you from being an ignorant moron!” one Twitter user wrote.

“When Megyn Kelly reminds you why she was so popular on Fox News…” another wrote.

“@megynkelly is really out here discussing what the ‘big deal about blackface is……OPEN A HISTORY BOOK! Why aren’t there black people on this discussion?” another tweeted.

“Megyn Kelly not understanding anything about racism? Ya don’t say…” another tweeted.

“Can someone please explain to me why Megyn Kelly still has a job?” another tweeted.

Some also pointed out the the lack of diversity on the panel.

“You have an all white panel to discuss why it is/isnt offensive for white ppl to wear a black face .. Hmmm,” one person tweeted.

Read more at USAToday.com