Megyn Kelly has drawn a striking comparison between Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar's vocal disruptions during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address and a controversial incident involving Tourette's Syndrome campaigner John Davidson at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards. The former Fox News host condemned Omar's conduct as "foul-mouthed" and demanded disciplinary action from the House of Representatives.
Heckling During Presidential Address
During Tuesday night's nationally televised address, Omar and fellow Democrat Rashida Tlaib repeatedly shouted at President Trump, particularly when he criticized Democratic policies regarding border security and American citizen protections. The lawmakers called Trump a "liar" and accused him of having "American blood on his hands," though their protests were frequently drowned out by Republican chants of "USA, USA."
Kelly's Scathing Criticism
"Incapable of controlling her foul mouth," Kelly declared about Omar during her commentary. "She should be censured. She should absolutely face discipline in the house as a result of this." Kelly emphasized that Omar "never stopped heckling him" throughout the address, creating what she described as a disruptive atmosphere reminiscent of Davidson's involuntary outbursts.
The television personality elaborated on the comparison: "Truly it was like the guy at the BAFTAs. Yelling expletives at every turn and some worse things than that. That's her. She looked at it and thought, #Goals."
Positive Reception to Trump's Speech
Kelly's comments coincided with a CNN poll indicating that 64 percent of viewers responded positively to President Trump's State of the Union address, which lasted just under one hour and 48 minutes, making it the longest in American history. Kelly praised the president's delivery as "vintage Trump fashion" and commended the White House for highlighting "amazing people" including war heroes, Olympic champions, and hockey team members.
"He acknowledged the grief and the pain of those who have suffered losses from the Democrats' radical policies on crime and the border," Kelly noted. "That was smart and honest, and the speech appeared to be a big success."
Trump's Response on Truth Social
President Trump later responded to the disruptions on his Truth Social platform, describing Omar and Tlaib as having "the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized." He characterized their behavior during what he called an "elegant State of the Union" as uncontrolled screaming that marred the important event.
The BAFTA Incident Comparison
Kelly's comparison referenced an incident that occurred just days before the State of the Union address, when John Davidson, a 54-year-old Tourette's activist invited to the BAFTA awards because a film about his life was nominated, caused controversy during the ceremony. Davidson was heard yelling racial slurs while black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first award at London's Royal Festival Hall.
The outburst was audible during BBC1's initial broadcast before being edited from later transmissions. Host Alan Cumming apologized "if it has caused offence," and Davidson voluntarily left the ceremony halfway through after multiple outbursts. He later issued a statement expressing mortification but explaining that such verbalizations are symptoms of his neurological condition.
Davidson's History of Controversy
Davidson is no stranger to controversial incidents stemming from his condition. He has previously shouted obscenities about the late Queen Elizabeth II and prompted a bomb scare at Buckingham Palace due to his involuntary outbursts. Diagnosed with Tourette's during childhood when little was known about the condition, Davidson has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the neurological disorder.
The BAFTA incident provoked criticism toward both Davidson and the BBC, with some accusing the activist of racism despite his condition, while others questioned the decision to invite someone known for such outbursts to a live televised event.
Kelly's comparison between these two very different incidents—one involving a neurological condition and the other involving deliberate political protest—has sparked debate about appropriate conduct during formal governmental proceedings versus understanding involuntary behaviors caused by medical conditions.
