In a controversial segment that has sparked widespread outrage, conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly suggested Jeffrey Epstein may not qualify as a true pedophile because his victims were teenagers, not prepubescent children. The remarks came amid fresh scrutiny over newly released Epstein files linking Donald Trump.
On the November 12, 2025, episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly discussed the House Oversight Committee’s release of Epstein emails with guest Batya Ungar-Sargon. She claimed insider knowledge from someone “very, very close to this case” who knows “virtually everything.”
According to Kelly, this source insisted years ago that Epstein “was not a pedophile.” She explained he preferred the “barely legal type,” specifying “he liked 15-year-old girls” who could “pass for even younger” but appear legal to others.
Kelly stressed she found it “disgusting” and was not excusing him, merely sharing “facts.” She noted no victims had publicly claimed abuse under age 14, adding “there’s a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know?”
The former Fox News host said her view shifted only after reports of Epstein possessing child sexual abuse material, though she now distrusts those claims from former Florida AG Pam Bondi. Critics argue Kelly was drawing a false distinction to downplay Epstein’s crimes.
Epstein was convicted of procuring minors for prostitution and faced accusations of trafficking girls as young as 14. Legally and medically, attraction to post-pubescent minors is often classified separately as hebephilia, but abusing any underage teen remains child sexual abuse.
The timing raised eyebrows, coming days after emails surfaced portraying Trump as someone Epstein trusted to stay silent about his activities. Kelly has previously criticized Trump’s handling of the files as a “self-inflicted wound.”
Social media erupted in fury, with many calling the comments “career-ending.” Democratic strategist Ally Sammarco tweeted that 15-year-olds are children unable to drive or see R-rated movies, questioning if Kelly believes raping them is acceptable.
Activist Shannon Watts accused Kelly of portraying Epstein and Trump as merely “horny men” rather than predators. Others highlighted the irony of Kelly, a mother of daughters, minimizing teenage exploitation.
Progressive outlets like Mother Jones and Raw Story labeled it a “mask off” moment for conservatives. Even some right-leaning voices distanced themselves, though Kelly’s audience largely defended her emphasis on technical definitions.
Kelly’s guest Ungar-Sargon sat in silence during the rant and did not challenge her. The episode quickly went viral, amassing millions of views on clips shared across platforms.
Critics linked it to broader efforts to rehabilitate figures tied to Epstein as more documents emerge. Trump has denied wrongdoing, insisting he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago.
Kelly previously admitted the new emails “sound bad” for Trump but urged full release to end speculation. Her latest remarks, however, shifted focus to redefining Epstein’s predation.
Victim advocates slammed the segment for victim-blaming and normalizing abuse. One prominent survivor group called it “dangerous” rhetoric that discourages young teens from reporting.
As backlash grew on November 13, 2025, hashtags like #MegynKelly and #EpsteinFiles trended. Calls mounted for SiriusXM to address the comments, though no response came from Kelly or the network.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions over Epstein’s legacy and powerful men’s associations. With more files potentially forthcoming, debates over accountability rage on.
Kelly, once fired from NBC over blackface comments, has rebuilt her career in independent media. This controversy tests her relevance among MAGA supporters protective of Trump.
Public polls show overwhelming disgust at minimizing underage abuse, regardless of exact age distinctions. Many argue any sexual exploitation of minors is pedophilia in common understanding.
For now, the firestorm shows no signs of dying down. Kelly’s attempt at nuance has been widely rejected as indefensible apologism.
Epstein’s victims, some groomed as young as 14, continue seeking justice. Remarks like these remind them how far society still has to go.
As one critic put it, drawing lines at 15 versus 5 ignores that all children deserve protection from predators like Epstein.
The scandal, reignited by 2025 releases, ensures Epstein’s name—and those connected—remains toxic.
