Fact Check: Did Megyn Kelly say Cornell Case victim enjoyed assault as 'she's not attractive'?
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Amid the reopening of the investigation into the Cornell University assault case, an allegation began circulating on social media platforms claiming that conservative commentator Megyn Kelly said that the victim enjoyed the assault because she was not attractive. The claim has sparked outrage and skepticism, prompting a fact-check.
Claim: Megyn Kelly said Cornell Case victim enjoyed the assault
Several social media posts in the past week began criticising Kelly after she allegedly said that the victim in the Cornell University assault case enjoyed herself because she was not very attractive.
The transcript of the alleged remark began circulating on X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
According to the transcript, Kelly said that she believes Jane Doe "made a decision to get it on" with four of the seven accused male students and "enjoyed it," and made negative remarks about the alleged Jane Doe's physical appearance.
Jane Doe is a standard placeholder name used in legal settings to refer to an anonymous female victim of a crime or accident whose real name is withheld.
Fact Check: Megyn Kelly did say it
The claim is indeed true, as Kelly authentically made these statements during an episode of "The Megyn Kelly Show."
The relevant remark begins at around the 15-minute mark in her YouTube video.
In the video, Kelly is heard saying, “No one will even consider the possibility that this woman made a decision to get it on with four men total, not seven, and enjoyed it because, I'm just going to be honest, she's not the most attractive gal."
She describes her thoughts as "the narrative that is likely to have occurred here, in my opinion."
Victim's lawyer slams Megyn Kelly
The controversial remarks drew backlash from the victim’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, who called the SiriusXM host “mean-spirited” and said she was using her platform to be “abusive” to women.
“When people with a following attack, it permits others to attack. It goes without saying that Jane Doe has been through enough,” he said.
“Ms. Kelly has publicly condemned Ms. Doe for taking two weeks to go to the police. I would ask Ms. Kelly why it took her over a decade to report unwanted s***** advances from her boss?” he questioned, referring to allegations Kelly made in her memoir.
“Perhaps she should reflect on why it is difficult for women to come forward under these circumstances and honor the courage that it takes,” he added.
