Megyn Kelly calls Wanda Sykes 'pathetic' for jab about 'mediocre White men' at Golden Globes

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Megyn Kelly launched a blistering attack on comedian Wanda Sykes after the Golden Globes presenter on Jan 11 made pointed remarks about race, sexuality and diversity during Sunday night’s awards ceremony.

The former Fox News host responded on 'The Megyn Kelly Show' on January 12, accusing Sykes of racism and calling her Golden Globes appearance “pathetic” after a line that drew loud applause inside the Beverly Hilton during awards night.

Megyn Kelly says Wanda Sykes seeking applause through identity politics

Sykes, who presented at the Golden Globes on Sunday night, delivered one of the evening’s more politically charged moments when she addressed the ongoing backlash against diversity and inclusion efforts.

“There’s some people p---ed off that a queer Black woman is up here doing the job of two mediocre white guys,” Sykes told the audience, referencing MAGA-aligned opposition to DEI initiatives.

The remark was met with cheers inside the ballroom but it immediately set off Kelly, who played the clip on 'The Megyn Kelly Show' and shook her head in disbelief.

“It’s so racist. So racist,” Kelly said after airing the footage.

“If they were white and they were guys, you gotta dismiss them as mediocre,” she continued. “‘Everybody sucks, but I am the oppressed, queer Black woman doing it all.’ Like begging them to applaud for her.”

“You’re pathetic, Wanda Sykes. Do better,” Kelly added.

Megyn Kelly felt Wanda Sykes was basically saying, ‘I’m better than you

Kelly went on to argue that Sykes’ joke relied on racial and gender stereotypes while demanding validation from the audience.

“She’s basically saying, ‘I’m better than you because of who I am,’” Kelly said. “And you’re supposed to clap or else you’re the bad guy.”

Kelly framed the moment as emblematic of what she frequently criticizes as Hollywood’s moral posturing, insisting that Sykes’s comments crossed a line.

Wanda Sykes also roasted Bill Maher and Ricky Gervais

Sykes’ time on stage also included jabs at nominees in the stand-up comedy category, including Bill Maher, Brett Goldstein, Kevin Hart, Kumail Nanjiani, Ricky Gervais and Sarah Silverman.

Some of her sharpest remarks were directed towards Maher, whom she joked audiences should see “a little less” of. Cameras caught Maher appearing less than unimpressed.

Sykes also aimed at Ricky Gervais, who won but did not attend the ceremony. Accepting on his behalf, she thanked “the trans community,” a reference to ongoing critism of Gervais’ past jokes about transgender people.

That moment, further angered Kelly.

“So disrespectful. How dare you?” Kelly said. She went on to praise Gervais as “the greatest to ever host the Globes,” crediting him for what she described as “standing up for women’s rights.”

“Golden Globes; she should never be allowed to present again,” Kelly added.

Kelly revisits Golden Globes podcast controversy

Kelly also revived her criticism of the Golden Globes over the Best Podcast category.

While 'The Megyn Kelly Show' was shortlisted, it did not receive a nomination.

Kelly said she was not “snubbed,” insisting she would rather “put a bullet in my brain” than lobby awards judges.

“We pulled our show from consideration,” she said, though her explanation left it unclear whether she formally withdrew or simply didn't submit the entry process.

She then turned her attention to the winning podcast, ‘Good Hang’ by Amy Poehler, mocking its content and format.

“She has a great, really, really insightful podcast,” Kelly said sarcastically before playing a clip of Poehler asking Gwyneth Paltrow about her favorite dinner time.

Kelly argued her own show requires significantly more effort and preparation.

“For this show, trust me, it takes a lot of prep,” she said. “The whole team puts a lot of hours into that kind of thing.”

“Why does anybody watch this?” Kelly concluded. “How pathetic.”