Megyn Kelly Challenges George Clooney’s Journalism Comments
A heated debate between conservative commentator Megyn Kelly and actor George Clooney unfolded publicly after Clooney questioned Kelly’s journalistic credentials during a recent interview. Clooney, currently starring in a Broadway adaptation of his 2005 film “Good Night, and Good Luck,” sparked controversy by featuring Kelly in a montage without additional narration or context, using her own words to illustrate the current media landscape. Responding to criticism over the montage, Clooney defended the inclusion by emphasizing transparency, stating, “We only show her words in this play…We don’t manipulate it. We literally just go, ‘These are your words.'”
In a conversation with Broadway actress Patti LuPone for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, Clooney further questioned Kelly’s experience as a journalist, asserting that in comparison, his own humanitarian efforts provided more journalistic credibility. The actor highlighted his experiences in crisis zones such as Darfur and Sudan, remarking, “I’ve at least been to Darfur and Sudan and the Congo and been shot at to try to get stories out. I’m not quite sure what she’s done to be a journalist.”
“Neither is she, by the way,” added LuPone, reinforcing Clooney’s challenge of Kelly’s professional qualifications.
Kelly quickly responded on her podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show,” passionately defending her career achievements and journalistic experience accumulated over decades, notably at Fox News and NBC. She critiqued Clooney’s assertions as hypocritical and politically motivated, accusing him of engaging in “cowardice and partisanship.”
Clooney Faces Criticism for Partisanship and Hypocrisy
The dispute intensified when Kelly directed pointed criticism toward Clooney’s recent New York Times opinion piece, in which he urged President Joe Biden to step aside for the 2024 election race. Kelly argued that Clooney’s call was both delayed and politically expedient, lacking the courage and integrity required by genuine journalism. She accused Clooney of withholding critical opinions until they were politically safe to voice, a strategy she claims illustrates his adherence to partisan tactics rather than true journalistic integrity.
Kelly addressed Clooney’s perceived partisanship directly, describing his timing as evidence of “naked partisanship.” Arguing from her platform with a considerable audience base, she outlined her own record, characterized by confronting powerful figures spanning different political spectrums. Kelly insisted that her career has been defined by impartial inquiry and accountability, contrasting sharply with what she described as Clooney’s politically convenient posturing.
“That’s not journalism, George,” Kelly argued emphatically, “it’s cowardice and partisanship.”
This back-and-forth, amplified significantly by both celebrities’ public platforms, underscores broader tensions regarding the role and responsibilities of media figures in shaping political discourse and the perceived qualifications necessary to fulfill journalistic roles. Kelly’s argument particularly emphasized the importance of timeliness and impartiality in journalism, traits she accused Clooney of lacking in his recent actions and statements.
Broader Implications of Celebrity Influence in Journalism
Historically, tensions between celebrity figures and trained journalists over perceived encroachments into serious reporting are not new. Celebrities, occasionally leveraging their fame to highlight humanitarian causes or political issues, often spark debates about the authenticity and depth of their journalistic contributions. Clooney’s history includes significant non-traditional journalistic activity, such as highlighting human rights abuses and the humanitarian crises in regions like Darfur, bringing international attention to issues otherwise overlooked.
Megyn Kelly, whose career transitioned successfully from traditional broadcast journalism at major networks to digital platforms, represents a modern journalist wrestling with new definitions of credibility and influence in a rapidly changing media environment. The argument between Kelly and Clooney resonates broadly, highlighting perennial questions surrounding journalism’s evolving boundaries, particularly as celebrity involvement in political discourse has grown increasingly prominent.
Experts and commentators weigh in on the incident and highlight a persistent challenge within the media industry: maintaining credible, impartial journalism in an era influenced heavily by celebrity and digital media landscapes. Andrew Tyndall, media analyst and publisher of the Tyndall Report, has observed that celebrity involvement in journalism can be a mixed blessing, noting that while they bring visibility to important issues, celebrities’ political leanings or lack of formal training sometimes compromise perceived objectivity.
The ongoing public spat between Kelly and Clooney serves as a microcosm of this broader debate and underscores the need for media consumers to critically assess sources—whether celebrities or seasoned reporters—in determining the credibility and objectivity of news coverage. As digital platforms continue to reshape media consumption habits, the discourse around what constitutes authentic journalism remains a critical, ongoing conversation within society.