Conservative journalist Megyn Kelly lashed out at actor Charlize Theron over Theron's support of drag queens and was immediately criticized for it. The clash between the two escalated after Theron made passionate remarks during the Drag Isn't Dangerous telethon on May 5, which successfully raised over $500,000 for LGBTQ+ organizations.
Theron, an Academy Award winner and a prominent figure in action films, vehemently defended drag performances and issued a strong warning to conservative politicians seeking to ban them.
Theron, who is also the mother of a transgender daughter, said she will "f**k anybody up who’s, like, trying to f**k with anything with you guys!" in reference to the drag community who have been the target of a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation from Republican legislatures nationwide.
Theron's fiery statement caught the attention of Kelly, who addressed Theron's challenge on her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, last Friday.
She said:
“Why doesn’t Charlize Theron come and f**k me up? Because I’m 100 percent against her on this. Yes, there’s fun drag queen shows."
"I’ve been to them. When we lived in Chicago, we went to one, and that was super fun. It was all adults.”
Kelly—who Theron played in the movie Bombshell—went on to claim “there are drag queen shows out there right now that are deeply disturbing, and they’re happening in front of young children" and drag performances "can absolutely include the grooming of young children.”
You can hear Kelly's remarks in the video below.
\u201cMegyn Kelly challenges Charlize Theron to a fight over her position on Drag Queens: \u201cSo why doesn\u2019t Charlize Theron come and f*ck me up.\u201d\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
It is important to note that such claims lack evidence and have become increasingly prevalent among conservatives recently.
Misinformation spread by anti-LGBTQ+ social media accounts has led to the mischaracterization of family-friendly events such as drag queen story hours and drag brunches as explicit adult entertainment.
This false narrative has fueled acts of intimidation by far-right hate groups at these events and prompted Republican politicians in numerous states to introduce bills aimed at banning drag shows.
Kelly was criticized for her remarks.
\u201c@RonFilipkowski If you're looking for a place that's cold and dark,\nyou couldn't do better than Megyn Kelly's heart.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
\u201c@RonFilipkowski Desperate for attention\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
\u201c@RonFilipkowski No one craves attention that is not forthcoming more than @megynkelly - she's the day before yesterday's news, and the shame of several networks.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
\u201c@RonFilipkowski This is when seriousness in this world gets crushed by a bass-been challenged an academy award actress to a fight behind the woodshed. \ud83e\udd2c\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
And it looks like people are putting all their money on Theron in the unlikely event of a fight between the two.
\u201c@RonFilipkowski Lol. Not a fight she actually wants.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
\u201c@RonFilipkowski Charlize Theron is like 6 feet tall... better be careful what Megyn Kelly wishes for...\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
\u201c@RonFilipkowski Megyn Kelly is challenging the 'Atomic Blonde' to a fight? The one who trained in hand-to-hand combat, Aikido, Judo, Karate, laido and HEMA? THAT Charlize Theron? Oh please, oh please! Kick that bleached blonde into next Tuesday, Charlize!\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
\u201c@RonFilipkowski She is so thirsty she's really embarrassing. Charlize Theron will show her real-life Mad Max Fury.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski (@Ron Filipkowski) 1683926839
While tensions mount between Kelly and Theron regarding their differing views on drag performances, it is crucial to approach this debate with open-mindedness and respect.
Understanding and embracing diversity is fundamental to fostering an inclusive society that celebrates and respects all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
