Megyn Kelly's future at NBC uncertain after blackface remarks

Host was dropped by talent agency and will not appear this week on talkshow after defending blackface for Halloween costumes.

Viewers tuning into the NBC morning show Megyn Kelly Today on Thursday morning were greeted by Megyn Kellyfrom two months ago.

Following a row over defending wearing blackface, Kelly has been removed from her namesake talkshow for at least the remainder of the week, with NBC saying in a statement that “given the circumstances” they will air repeats in her time slot.

The episode that aired on Thursday was from 31 August.

The scandal began on Tuesday’s show when Kelly said she didn’t understand why children couldn’t wear blackface if they were dressing for Halloween. She also defended Real Housewives of New York cast member Luann de Lesseps, who had previously darkened her skin for a Diana Ross costume.

After outrage – including by some of her high-profile NBC colleagues – Kelly opened Wednesday’s show with an apology to viewers and hosted a discussion with two black panelists about her comments.

But by Wednesday evening it emerged that Kelly had been dropped by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). No reason for the decision has been given by the talent agency, but insiders suggest that a potential conflict of interest would emerge in the event of a clash between Kelly and the network as CAA also represents the NBC News president, Noah Oppenheim.

After she made the comments, Kelly retained the services of Bryan Freedman, one of Hollywood’s litigators. The Hollywood Reporter says Freedman is preparing for a “showdown” with NBC on Friday and it is increasingly unlikely Kelly will be able to continue at the network. NBC have not made any official statement about the future of the show.

“Reports suggest she’s on her way out and will be paid her full contract, but she won’t be returning to NBC anytime soon,” Daniel Cassino, associate professor of political science at Fairleigh Dickinson University who authored the book Fox News and American Politics, told the Guardian.

Source: The Guardian