NBC News and Megyn Kelly are under fire for giving airtime to far-right radio show host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
In the past, Jones has claimed that the 9/11 attacks were an “inside job.” He also said the parents of the 20 students murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 were actors and the deaths of the children as well as six school employees were faked.
Kelly previewed her interview with Jones on Sunday. The full episode airs June 18 on her new show.
Kelly was criticized on social media for what some saw as an attempt to normalize Jones and his outlandish claims. She defended herself by saying President Donald Trump had praised Jones and appeared on his show. She also noted that Jones’ InfoWars was given credibility when the website received White House press credentials.
“Many don’t know him; our job is 2 shine a light,” she wrote.
POTUS's been on & praises @RealAlexJones' show. He's giving Infowars a WH press credential. Many don't know him; our job is 2 shine a light. https://t.co/5e88BJyqnz
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 12, 2017
But that didn’t slow the outrage. Some viewers even called for a boycott of the network over the upcoming interview. Here’s a sampling:
My nephew survived Sandy Hook. I am not tolerating this. Will never watch @megynkelly or @NBCNews again if they choose to air this.
— John Glueck (@john_glueck) June 12, 2017
Here you go @megynkelly - her name is Ana Grace Márquez-Greene. Say her name- stare at this & tell me it's worth it. @nbc #SandyHook pic.twitter.com/mKrU63KWmA
— Nelba Márquez-Greene (@Nelba_MG) June 12, 2017
20 children dead at Sandy Hook and @megynkelly is giving voice to the man who suggested it was a hoax.
— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) June 12, 2017
This is beyond shameful, @NBCNews. https://t.co/7OPTCPQHAd
.@megynkelly.
— The Reagan Battalion (@ReaganBattalion) June 12, 2017
This is Allison Wyatt on the day she turned 6. She never had another birthday party. #SandyHook pic.twitter.com/wCzIK4QjLV
Boycott @NBC & @megynkelly for the @RealAlexJones interview. Jones is an incendiary conspiracy theorist who makes up news to fit his agenda
— D. Fitz Allgood 🌞🚴 (@FitzAllgoodlife) June 12, 2017
Say their names, Megyn. pic.twitter.com/JelZAobkFp
— Laura in the Bardo (@lauratron1000) June 12, 2017
Sandy Hook & Aurora families have gone through enough without giving him a platform to spew his filth. This is sickening. #ShameOnNBC
— Emily Yates (@emryates) June 12, 2017
Since Alex Jones is a self admitted "Performance Artist" what possible motivation is there to allow him to perform for you #ShameonNBC
— Anappleaday (@N_appleaday) June 12, 2017
Megyn, you're a mom. Think of the pain you're elevating by giving that performance artist airtime. Choose empathy over ratings. #ShameOnNBC
— Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) June 12, 2017
Megyn Kelly did this to gain ratings for a new show at the expense of grieving families. #ShameOnNBC, Jones and Kelly.
— Tina-TheResistance (@trcfwtt) June 12, 2017
Sickening that Alex Jones is going to get a primetime spot on national TV next week to spew the nonsense that has hindered the lives of ppl
— Dakota Schmidt (@Dakota_Schmidt) June 12, 2017
There is no justification for amplifying lies (or a liar), particularly about unimaginable tragedy. I hope no parent, no person watches this https://t.co/nSt1MGGM2U
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 12, 2017
On FATHER'S DAY Megyn Kelly is interviewing Alex Jones - a man who harasses the parents of bombing and shooting tragedies. #shameonNBC https://t.co/0tZNt04QHQ
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) June 12, 2017
I'll give you 26 reasons not to air this interview #shameonNBC https://t.co/BcigLJZ3ML
— Heather Whaley (@HeatherWhaley) June 12, 2017
Giving racist bigot this huge platform is nauseating. The educational figleaf can't disguise the ratings greed. Shame on @megynkelly & NBC https://t.co/43xlMygWFf
— Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) June 12, 2017
Alex Jones is a lunatic who should be ignored until he goes away, not given a wider platform and validated by @megynkelly #ShameOnNBC
— Rokey (@rokeypdx) June 12, 2017
Week 1 NBC's Megyn Kelly normalizes Vladimir Putin.
— Sean Corcoran (@seacorc) June 12, 2017
Week 2 she normalizes Alex Jones.
Can't wait for the Week 3 normalization of David Duke!
If you're going to interview Alex Jones, to keep things fair you also have to interview someone who wasn't successfully sued by yogurt.
— Kashana (@kashanacauley) June 12, 2017
Any story about Alex Jones should give equal time to victims and address his body count, including the people in prison bc they believed him
— Mark Agee (@MarkAgee) June 12, 2017
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Related
Before You Go
