Key Takeaways
- Megyn Kelly names Jane Fonda, Bruce Willis, Al Roker, and Ellen DeGeneres as the "meanest" and most "unpleasant" A-listers she’s met
- Kelly criticizes Fonda for being offended by questions about her plastic surgery procedures in a 2017 interview
- Kelly describes Willis as "ungiving" and "unpleasant" in their 2006 conversation
- Kelly dissed DeGeneres over the negative experience of a family member working on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
- Kelly praises Russell Brand, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Jada Pinkett Smith as being warm, nice, and genuine
Introduction to Megyn Kelly’s Celebrity Encounters
Megyn Kelly, a renowned journalist, ended 2025 with a bang by sharing her experiences with some of the most prominent celebrities in the industry. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Kelly name-dropped the "meanest" and most "unpleasant" A-listers she’s met, leaving many fans and readers stunned. The list included Jane Fonda, Bruce Willis, Al Roker, and Ellen DeGeneres, all of whom Kelly had encounters with during her career as a journalist and TV host.
The Jane Fonda Incident
Kelly’s criticism of Jane Fonda was particularly striking, as she recalled a 2017 interview where Fonda became offended by questions about her plastic surgery procedures. Kelly claimed that she had been told to steer Fonda away from discussing sex scenes, as it made her co-star Robert Redford uncomfortable. However, Kelly’s questions about Fonda’s plastic surgery sparked a negative reaction from the actress, which Kelly found to be unjustified. This incident left a lasting impression on Kelly, who now views Fonda as one of the most unpleasant celebrities she’s met.
Encounters with Bruce Willis and Al Roker
Kelly also shared her experiences with Bruce Willis, whom she labeled as "ungiving" and "unpleasant" during their 2006 conversation on Fox News. Kelly acknowledged that she hated to speak negatively about Willis, given his current struggles with frontotemporal dementia. However, she couldn’t help but recall their awkward encounter, where Willis seemed unhappy to be there. Additionally, Kelly took aim at Al Roker, a "Today" show personality, although she didn’t provide specific details about their encounter. Instead, she made a cryptic comment, comparing her mother’s potential reaction to Roker to a hypothetical encounter between Larry David and Alan Dershowitz.
The Ellen DeGeneres Controversy
One of the most striking criticisms Kelly made was against Ellen DeGeneres, whom she called a "bad person." Kelly’s negative opinion of DeGeneres stems from a close family member’s experience working as a producer on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." According to Kelly, her family member was told to avert their eyes when encountering DeGeneres in the hallway, a behavior that Kelly found to be unacceptable. This experience, combined with the bullying scandal that broke in 2020, solidified Kelly’s opinion of DeGeneres as a toxic individual.
Praising the Nice Celebrities
While Kelly’s criticisms of certain celebrities made headlines, she also took the opportunity to praise some of the nicer stars she’s met. Russell Brand, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Jada Pinkett Smith were all singled out for their warm, nice, and genuine personalities. Kelly raved about Brand’s warmth and Gifford’s kindness, and expressed her admiration for Pinkett Smith’s sincerity and authenticity. These positive encounters serve as a reminder that not all celebrities are difficult to work with, and that some are truly kind and genuine individuals.
Conclusion and Response from Representatives
The representatives for Fonda, Willis, Roker, and DeGeneres did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Kelly’s criticisms. However, it’s clear that Kelly’s opinions have sparked a lively debate about the personalities and behaviors of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. As a journalist and TV host, Kelly has had the opportunity to meet and interact with numerous celebrities, and her experiences have given her a unique perspective on the industry. While some may disagree with her opinions, Kelly’s candor and honesty have undoubtedly made for a compelling and thought-provoking conversation.