Young women and former child actors share their photos at age 15 to push back against Megyn Kelly’s Epstein remarks (Photo: X | @megynkelly)
A storm of criticism has engulfed journalist Megyn Kelly after comments she made about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes struck many as deeply insensitive. What followed was a powerful online response from teenagers, activists and former child actors who felt compelled to remind the world of a basic truth a 15-year-old is a child, not someone who can be described as barely legal. Kelly now faces widespread backlash for remarks many believe minimize the experiences of Epstein's victims.
During "The Megyn Kelly Show" episode on November 12, the host talked about Epstein with NewsNation's Batya Ungar-Sargon. Kelly stated she was privy to information from a person close to the case, insinuating that Epstein was not a pedophile, but he liked very young teens, specifically girls around age 15.
She said she was not excusing Epstein's actions but tried to portray her comments as contextual fact. However, her characterization ignited outrage, since sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16 is illegal in all states across the US.
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Kelly's comments instantly hit a nerve. On social media, former child actors and teen girls posted pictures of themselves at 15, providing a stark visual counterpoint to the notion that such youth could be seen as borderline adult.
Actress Cynthia Nixon directly addressed Kelly, asking her if she would ever let her own teenage daughter be left alone with Epstein. Christina Ricci referred to Kelly as a danger to children and Valerie Bertinelli shared a photo from her own teenage years, reminding followers that a 15-year-old is unmistakably a child.
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Younger voices added their own perspective to the debate. A girl who identified herself as 14 had an argument on TikTok when adults start debating "how young is young," they stop defending the children and begin defending the predators. Her message captured the anger many felt: that Kelly's comments risk normalizing exploitation, rather than calling it out.
Kelly has yet to comment publicly on the outcry, which came on the same day lawmakers made public more documents related to Epstein. Among the material were emails asserting that Donald Trump knew about the girls, a claim he has denied, labeling the issue a politically motivated hoax.
No misconduct by him has been imputed, but the timing added another layer of intensity to a controversy already fueled by long-standing public sensitivity about the nature of Epstein’s crimes.
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Disclaimer: This article reflects reported statements and public reactions. It does not endorse any claims and is intended for informational purposes only.
