Megyn Kelly attacks CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil over ‘lesbian makeover’ approach
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Megyn Kelly sharply criticized CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, offering a controversial explanation for what she described as a steep decline in the program’s ratings following his debut.
The conservative podcaster also directed her criticism at CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, accusing her of poor judgment in selecting Dokoupil as the network’s new evening anchor and suggesting her leadership played a role in declining viewership.
Kelly made the remarks while discussing Dokoupil’s recent launch as anchor, where she mocked his delivery style and questioned whether CBS executives misunderstood what audiences want from a nightly newscast.
Megyn Kelly mocks Tony Dokoupil’s on-air style
Kelly opened her commentary by deriding Dokoupil’s presentation, repeatedly referring to him as “Toprah” Dokoupil, a jab comparing his delivery to Oprah Winfrey’s talk-show tone.
“CBS Evening News is officially launched with its new anchor, ‘Toprah’ Dokoupil,” Kelly said, claiming he spends too much time being emotional and “therapizing” viewers rather than delivering straightforward news.
She argued that Dokoupil’s perceived softness made him ill-suited for the role of evening anchor, asserting that audiences want someone more authoritative and assertive at the desk.
Megyn Kelly drags Bari Weiss into CBS ratings debate
Kelly then turned her attention to Weiss, who recently took over as CBS News editor-in-chief. She criticized Weiss’ lack of broadcast television experience and linked her editorial decisions to what Kelly described as a misguided vision for the show.
Kelly controversially remarked on Weiss’ personal life while arguing that her worldview influenced the decision to appoint Dokoupil, suggesting that CBS executives believed a “sweet” and emotionally open anchor would appeal to viewers.
She claimed that approach was fundamentally flawed, insisting audiences prefer anchors who project confidence and strength during moments of crisis.
Megyn Kelly claims Tony Dokoupil lacks authority on screen
Continuing her critique, Kelly said Dokoupil came across as someone who would “hide behind” others in a dangerous situation rather than lead, a metaphor she used to question his credibility as a news anchor.
“Tony ‘Toprah’ Dokoupil is not first defender,” she said, adding that the format was already failing in her view.
Dokoupil debuted as CBS Evening News anchor on January 5, drawing more than 4.4 million viewers. Ratings reportedly dipped in the following days, sliding to 4.3 million, then 4.1 million, before falling to 3.9 million by Thursday.
Emotional moments draw further ridicule
Kelly also mocked Dokoupil for becoming emotional on air while discussing his childhood in Miami. During the broadcast, Dokoupil said he felt “robbed of the full Miami experience,” referencing his upbringing and family history.
She further criticized his sign-off message, which encouraged viewers to think independently about the news, calling it patronizing and likening it to self-help affirmations.
Kelly concluded by blasting Weiss’ leadership outright, stating that her lack of television experience was evident and damaging to the broadcast, adding, “It’s called broadcast news for a reason.”
