Megyn Kelly launched a scathing critique of Olivia Rodrigo on Monday following the pop star’s public support for Jane Doe, the unnamed student at the center of the Cornell 7 lawsuit. Appearing on her YouTube show, Kelly urged Rodrigo to “sit down and be quiet,” asserting that the singer lacks understanding of the legal and cultural issues involved.
“Olivia, in sum, you don’t know what the f— you’re talking about. Shut up and stick to singing,” Kelly said. She added, “I liked you better when you were in front of a microphone singing your weird little depressing songs.”
Kelly further remarked on the phenomenon of celebrities entering cultural debates, stating, “We don’t need the participation of know-nothing morons who have been auto-tuned into fame and suddenly think they have something profound to say on the culture wars.” She also referenced a common adage, saying it is better to keep one’s mouth shut than to open it and confirm suspicions of ignorance, applying the sentiment directly to Rodrigo.
The backlash comes a day after Rodrigo shared a statement on her Instagram story expressing solidarity with the accuser. “Shame on Cornell and on every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women,” Rodrigo wrote. “I stand with Jane Doe. Her bravery reverberates across the country and the crimes against her will not go unpunished. What she lived through matters, and so does the failure of those who could have intervened but chose not to. She deserves answers, consequences, and lasting change.”
The Cornell 7 lawsuit stems from allegations filed by a student who accused seven men of raping and drugging her at a fraternity house party in October 2024. The lawsuit alleges the university failed to protect her and prevent the assault, noting that the accused faced no criminal legal consequences.
According to the legal document, a university investigation resulted in the expulsion of two of the men, while the remaining five received lesser disciplinary actions. The lawsuit claims that some of the accused wrote essays to the school in an effort to reduce their punishment.
Rodrigo joins a growing list of high-profile figures, including Florence Pugh, Mariska Hargitay, Hudson Williams, and Josh Gad, who have recently used their platforms to condemn the case and support the survivor.
Wait, is Cornell really suing because the punishments were too light? That seems like a valid legal grievance regardless of fame.
This backfires so hard. The more they silence her, the more people will listen to what she actually said.
I’ve never heard of Olivia Rodrigo, but even I know you shouldn’t attack someone for standing up against rape culture.
Kelly’s comments are cruel and outdated. Why do we shame women for supporting survivors of assault?
Celebrities should stick to their lanes, but this case involves serious crime. Silence isn’t always golden.