Megyn Kelly Unleashes Furious Attack on Megan Rapinoe Following Hockey Team Outburst
Television host Megyn Kelly has launched a blistering and highly personal assault on American soccer icon Megan Rapinoe, following Rapinoe's sharp criticism of the gold medal-winning United States men's hockey team. The dispute erupted after Rapinoe condemned the athletes for their reaction to a comment made by former President Donald Trump during a celebratory phone call.
The Spark: Rapinoe's Podcast Condemnation
The controversy began when Megan Rapinoe, on her podcast 'A Touch More' which she co-hosts with her wife Sue Bird, lambasted the men's hockey team. This followed their overtime victory against Canada at the Winter Olympics in Italy, where both the men's and women's teams secured gold medals. During a call with Donald Trump, the former president joked about inviting the women's hockey team to the White House alongside the men, which prompted laughter from the male athletes.
Rapinoe described this as a classic case of "ripping defeat from the jaws of victory," accusing the team of allowing themselves to be "co-opted by a clown." She stated emphatically, "And now you're a clown. You look like a clown." Rapinoe argued that the players had surrendered their moment of glory to a figure she characterised as self-serving, saying, "You just gave this whole moment over to this person who you know is only going to use it for him."
Kelly's Scathing Retort on SiriusXM
Megyn Kelly responded with a savage rebuttal on her SiriusXM radio show, drawing direct comparisons to Rapinoe's own past experiences. Kelly highlighted that in 2015, after the US women's soccer team won the World Cup, they received a congratulatory phone call from then-President Barack Obama, who humorously noted the men's team had fewer television viewers.
"The nerve of this woman to call these guys clowns," Kelly declared. "She is jealous. She is full of hatred for anyone who is a white male. She is like a rabid, angry lesbian." Kelly asserted that the situation is "only controversial when it is President Trump," implying a double standard in Rapinoe's outrage.
Kelly further attacked Rapinoe's motives, claiming, "She is just jealous that they are in the spotlight and she is not. In fact, she is loathed by more than half of the country, unlike these guys who are beloved and she can't see straight." She concluded with a bitter dismissal, telling Rapinoe to "enjoy your bitter, bitter life."
Broader Context and Political Undertones
This clash underscores deeper cultural and political divisions within American sports. Rapinoe, known for her activism and outspoken views, has frequently been a polarising figure, while Kelly's commentary often aligns with conservative critiques of progressive athletes. The incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding political affiliations and celebrity interactions with former presidents.
The men's hockey team's achievement in Italy remains a significant sporting triumph, but this controversy has overshadowed their victory, sparking widespread debate on social media and beyond. As both sides dig in, the episode highlights how sports moments can quickly become flashpoints for broader societal conflicts.
