Jonathan Van Ness Slams Megyn Kelly over Controversial Trans Rights Debate with Dax Shepard
Jonathan Van Ness eloquently shuts down Megyn Kelly's misguided critique of his vital discussion with Dax Shepard on transgender children's rights A powerful response challenging prejudice and promoting inclusivity
Jonathan Van Ness, Megyn Kelly and Dax Shepard Getty Images (3)
Jonathan Van Ness responded to Megyn Kelly's criticism of his recent conversation with Dax Shepard regarding the rights of transgender children. Van Ness took to Instagram on September 28 to share his thoughts and included a clip from Kelly's SiriusXM show, where she had mocked him. Kelly had specifically targeted remarks that Van Ness made during his appearance on Shepard's podcast, "Armchair Expert," where he expressed his frustration with having to advocate for young children who simply want to be accepted.
"You know what, Jonathan? Same here. I'm equally exhausted. I'm absolutely exhausted," Kelly expressed, feigning tears. "I'm tired of constantly having to advocate for my daughter's right to participate in sports alongside other girls. I'm tired of having to defend the volleyball player in North Carolina." (Kelly was referring to Payton McNabb, a high school student who appealed to the North Carolina state legislature to prohibit transgender athletes from joining women's sports teams after sustaining an injury during a September 2022 volleyball match when a transgender athlete forcefully hit the ball into her face.)
In response to the video, Van Ness commented, "Megyn, whoa. I actually had the chance to meet you during your press tour on the canceled fourth-hour Today show. However, you did manage to make millions of dollars from that setback, so congrats on your girl boss power. Love it," the Queer Eye personality began.
He continued, stating that he doesn't believe videos would be made for every instance when a high school or collegiate athlete in volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, or any other sport gets injured by a cisgender competitor, as sports inherently carry risk. Van Ness expressed that the danger lies within the nature of sports themselves, not in the participation of transgender women. He clarified that advocating for transgender inclusion in sports and for transgender rights does not diminish women's rights. Van Ness stressed the importance of equal access and opportunities in sports for all women, and stated that he consistently advocates for this cause.
Van Ness concluded the video by expressing his support for women's rights, including the right to choose, as well as trans rights. He emphasized his advocacy for all people and wished them the best. This statement followed Van Ness' recent confrontation with Shepard regarding teenagers transitioning and questioning the New York Times' stance on gender-affirming care. Shepard had expressed discomfort with this topic, prompting a discussion about the permanence of suicide and the need for open dialogue instead of labeling opponents as enemies.
Van Ness responded, stating that an exaggerated response to something often indicates exposure to misinformation and disinformation. He emphasized that the rhetoric surrounding the backlash against transgender individuals includes a significant amount of false information.
Furthermore, Van Ness noted that some individuals believe they are advocating for women's rights by excluding transgender children from sports. However, he acknowledged that it is possible to hold views that promote trans misogyny or transphobic ideologies without being explicitly transphobic.
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The debate eventually ended with Shepard and cohost Monica Padman apologizing to their guest before changing the subject. “It is what it is,” Van Ness said.
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: Van Ness took to his Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 27, sharing a screenshot of the episode's title card. Shepard, however, has yet to extensively address the tense conversation. Van Ness expressed his inability to find adequate words for the situation at the moment, but he remains hopeful that someday he will be able to.
