Megyn Kelly Slammed for Attacking Christina Applegate Over MS Misdiagnosis; ‘The View’ Hosts Call Her a ‘Bully’ and a ‘Fungus That Thrives’ on Outrage
Christina Applegate said new medical technology led her doctors to conclude she had been misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis, leaving her uncertain about the cause of her ongoing symptoms. Megyn Kelly responded by suggesting Applegate had wanted to be known as the face of MS, prompting criticism from hosts of “The View” over her treatment of someone sharing a difficult health experience.
Applegate first announced her MS diagnosis in 2021 and later retired from acting after “Dead to Me” ended in 2022. She has since advocated for people with MS and co-hosted the “MeSsy” podcast with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Returning to the podcast on 21 October after a seven-month break, Applegate said she felt back at square one and had not got better; “The View” hosts called Kelly’s remarks bullying and accused her of exploiting sensitive topics for outrage.
In short
- Applegate says doctors concluded she was misdiagnosed with MS.
- She remains unwell and does not know what is causing her symptoms.
- “The View” hosts condemned Megyn Kelly’s response.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A defender of Kelly could argue that public figures who make medical claims in public should be open to scrutiny, especially when new information changes an earlier diagnosis. They might say Kelly was questioning how Applegate’s diagnosis had shaped her public advocacy, rather than disputing that her symptoms and uncertainty are real.
The case against
A critic could argue that questioning whether Applegate wanted to be known as the face of MS shifts attention from her reported health uncertainty to an unsupported claim about her motives. Given Applegate’s account of ongoing symptoms and the difficulty of a changed diagnosis, they could see Kelly’s remarks as needlessly personal and harmful to someone discussing a vulnerable experience.