Many people search for details regarding the departure of prominent media personalities, often asking why Megyn Kelly was fired from Fox News. However, the premise of her leaving is historically nuanced. Megyn Kelly was not actually fired from Fox News; rather, she chose to leave the network. In January 2017, she officially departed the channel to join NBC News, where she later hosted her own morning show.
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The Real Reasons for Her Departure
While she was not terminated, her exit from Fox News followed a turbulent period characterized by several significant factors:
- Tensions with Donald Trump: Kelly faced intense public feuds with Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, leading to fierce backlash from his supporters and immense pressure within the network.
- Primetime Pressures: She described the environment as a demanding “snake pit,” noting the heavy toll that anchoring a major primetime cable news program took on her personal and professional life.
- Corporate Culture and Leadership Changes: Her exit also coincided with a period of massive internal upheaval at Fox News, which included allegations of sexual harassment against top executives like Roger Ailes.
What Happened Next?
After leaving Fox News, Kelly signed a high-profile, multi-million dollar contract with NBC. Unfortunately, her tenure there was short-lived. In late 2018, her NBC daytime show was canceled following controversial remarks she made regarding the use of blackface in Halloween costumes. This led to a very public and messy exit from NBC as well.
Today, Megyn Kelly operates independently, running her own successful digital media program and podcast where she continues to offer commentary on current events, politics, and media culture. While rumors often swirl about network firings in the fast-paced world of cable news, Kelly’s transition away from Fox News was ultimately her own choice, driven by a combination of political friction, personal stress, and career ambitions.
