Megyn Kelly apologized on air this morning for seemingly justifying wearing blackface in Halloween costumes.
As iMediaEthics reported yesterday, Kelly upset viewers when she argued she thought it was OK to wear blackface in Halloween costumes and defended a reality TV show member for doing so last year. She apologized in an e-mail to staff last night.
Today, Kelly apologized publicly to viewers during her show, Mediaite reported.
“I want to begin with two words. I’m sorry,” she said. “You may have heard that yesterday we had a discussion here about political correctness and Halloween costumes. And that conversation turned to whether it is ever okay for a person of one race to dress up as another — a black person making their face lighter or a white person making theirs darker to make their costume complete. I defended the idea saying as long as it was respectful and part of a Halloween costume it seemed okay. Well, I was wrong and I am sorry. One of the great parts of sitting in this chair each day is getting to discuss different points of view. Sometimes I talk and sometimes I listen.”
She continued:
“Yesterday, I learned. I learned that given the history of blackface being used in awful ways by racists in this country, it is not okay for that to be part of any costume — Halloween or otherwise. I have never been a P.C. kind of person. But I do understand the value in being sensitive to our history, particularly on race and ethnicity.
“This past year has been so painful for many people of color. The country feels so divided and I have no wish to add to that pain and offense. I believe this is a time for more understanding more love, more sensitivity and honor. And I want to be part of that. Thank you for listening and helping me listen too.”