Don Lemon Faces Backlash for Controversial Comments About Megyn Kelly’s Appearance
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is under fire for controversial remarks he made about Megyn Kelly, host of “The Megyn Kelly Show.” During a recent episode of his new digital show, Lemon described Kelly as looking “trans” and referred to her as “clockable,” a term that implies someone can easily be identified as transgender. His comments have sparked significant outrage, with critics labeling them as hypocritical and an “ugly attack.”
The Controversial Remarks

In the segment, Lemon stated, “Megyn Kelly kind of looks like a Barbie doll covered in like WD-40. I think she looks trans. Let’s end on that note. She looks, as they say, she looks clockable.” These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various commentators, including Sky News host Rita Panahi, who questioned Lemon’s perspective and defended Kelly’s appearance.
“What is he looking at?” Panahi remarked. “Megyn Kelly is objectively beautiful; she’s a beautiful woman. There’s no doubt about whether she is a woman.” She described Lemon’s comments as an ugly attack, especially coming from someone with a history of making questionable statements during his tenure at CNN.
Double Standards in Media Criticism
Panahi further pointed out what she perceives as a double standard in how conservative women are treated in the media compared to their liberal counterparts. She noted that Lemon’s critical comments seemed to target Kelly specifically because of her conservative views, suggesting that if anyone else made similar remarks about a liberal woman, they would face severe backlash and possibly be “canceled.”
“This just feels like it’s perfect, right in his wheelhouse,” she said, highlighting the inconsistency in media reactions to comments based on political affiliation. “Why does he get a pass? Is it because Kelly is considered a conservative woman?”
Broader Context of Media Discourse
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The incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of women in media, particularly conservative women, and how the left often claims to champion equality while engaging in disparaging remarks against them. Critics argue that such comments reflect a broader trend of hostility towards conservative voices in the media landscape.
In a related segment, actress Jamie Lee Curtis also faced scrutiny for her remarks about the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Following backlash for not celebrating his death, Curtis clarified her comments, stating she was misinterpreted and was not intending to speak positively about Kirk but was referring to his faith.
Conclusion
Don Lemon’s comments about Megyn Kelly have sparked significant controversy, highlighting ongoing tensions in media discussions surrounding gender and political affiliation. As the discourse continues, many are calling for a more consistent and respectful approach to discussing public figures, regardless of their political beliefs. The backlash against Lemon underscores a growing awareness of the need for accountability in media commentary, particularly when it comes to personal attacks on individuals based on their appearance or beliefs.