Megyn Kelly Says Friendship With Ben Shapiro Ended After America Fest Speech

SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly told attendees at AmericaFest on Friday that her longtime friendship with Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro has ended following his public criticism of her during the conference.

Megyn Kelly responds to Ben Shapiro: "I found it kind of funny that Ben thinks he has the power to decide who gets excommunicated from the conservative movement, which shows a willful blindness about his position in it." pic.twitter.com/RgSV2zLL0a

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) December 20, 2025

Kelly’s remarks came one day after Shapiro used his AmericaFest speech to criticize several media figures, including Kelly, over their handling of claims made by commentator Candace Owens. Owens has promoted conspiracy theories related to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Shapiro accused Kelly of downplaying Owens’ conduct, prompting a response from Kelly during her own appearance at the event.

Kelly said Shapiro crossed a personal and professional line by criticizing her publicly while simultaneously referring to her as a friend. She objected to Shapiro’s attempt to dictate how she should speak about other figures in the conservative movement, saying she rejected the notion that she was responsible for publicly policing others’ behavior.

During her remarks, Kelly said she no longer considers Shapiro a friend and argued that after years of supporting his career, he had no standing to publicly attack her or tell her what positions she should take. She referenced her history of featuring Shapiro on her Fox News programs and said she had consistently stood by him over the years.

Kelly also challenged Shapiro’s perceived authority within the conservative movement, mocking the idea that he could decide who should be excluded or “excommunicated.” She said she resented what she viewed as an inflated sense of influence and rejected any attempt to control her speech or professional decisions.

Kelly further addressed her involvement in efforts to mediate tensions between Owens and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk. She said Kirk contacted her weeks earlier to ask for help facilitating a potential meeting with Owens, a discussion that was initially considered for public release. Kelly said she agreed to assist only after Owens approved her involvement.

According to Kelly, Kirk and Owens then took over the negotiations themselves, discussing details such as format, timing, and location. Kelly said the talks eventually stalled after encountering roadblocks, and she maintained public silence throughout the process while privately attempting to help the two sides reach an agreement.

Kelly said she rejected Owens’ claims linking Turning Point USA to the assassination of Charlie Kirk and emphasized that it was not her responsibility to publicly condemn Owens. She said her role was limited to attempting to bring the parties together and that she did not believe public denunciations were required of her.

AmericaFest continues through the weekend with speeches and appearances from conservative leaders, commentators, and activists.

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