At the recent AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, media personality Megyn Kelly announced the termination of her longstanding friendship with Ben Shapiro, co-founder of The Daily Wire. This declaration came in response to Shapiro's public criticism of Kelly during his speech at the same event. Kelly expressed that Shapiro's actions, which she perceived as an attempt to dictate her professional conduct and speech, were unacceptable.
The dispute between Kelly and Shapiro arose when Shapiro accused Kelly of not properly addressing comments made by Candace Owens regarding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. During his address, Shapiro claimed that Kelly downplayed Owens' behavior, which Kelly later refuted in her own statement to the conference attendees.
In her speech on Friday, following Shapiro's remarks, Kelly vehemently objected to Shapiro's approach, stating, "I object to the whole thing. Ben and I, he had the nerve to call me a friend right before he called me a despicable coward for not calling out the people he wants called out." Kelly's rebuttal highlighted a contradiction she saw in Shapiro's expectations, where he seemed to demand both authority over her actions and sympathy from her responses.
Further elaborating on her stance, Kelly accused Shapiro and his affiliates of seeking her intervention in their disputes but rejecting her independence in handling such matters. She emphatically denied any obligation to defend them in the public sphere. "They need me. I have to be their daddy and step in to protect them," Kelly stated, rejecting the presumption that she should act according to their wishes.
Kelly also reminded the audience of her contribution to Shapiro's early career by regularly featuring him on her Fox News Channel shows when he was lesser-known. Despite the recent strains in their relationship, Kelly continued to support Shapiro, citing his recent appearance on her tour and the extensive, favorable introduction she provided.
The broadcaster challenged Shapiro's perceived self-authority within conservative media, questioning his influence and likening his stance to a minor authority figure misjudging their clout. She compared his behavior to that of a middle school authority figure threatening to wield social power.
In addition to addressing the public dispute, Kelly also spoke about her private efforts to mediate between Owens and Erika Kirk, wife of Charlie Kirk. She had been approached by Kirk to help arrange a meeting between Owens and herself, which Kelly agreed to facilitate. Though she remained publicly neutral, Kelly worked behind the scenes to assist in the potential reconciliation.
The confrontation between Kelly and Shapiro has revealed underlying tensions within conservative media circles, touching upon issues of freedom of speech, loyalty, and the dynamics of authority and independence among prominent figures.
