POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Did Megyn Kelly say Jane Doe in Cornell rape case ‘made a decision to get it on’ and ‘enjoyed it’?
The Claim A viral claim circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X has alleged that Megyn Kelly, former Fox News host and current political podcast host, made...
The Claim
A viral claim circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X has alleged that Megyn Kelly, former Fox News host and current political podcast host, made derogatory remarks about the alleged Jane Doe in a recent sexual assault case at Cornell University. According to the claim, Kelly stated that the woman, referred to as Jane Doe, ‘made a decision to get it on’ with four of the seven accused men and ‘enjoyed it,’ while also making negative comments about her physical appearance.
The claim gained traction after users shared a text transcript image purportedly showing these remarks from an episode of Kelly’s podcast, "The Megyn Kelly Show," which aired on October 5, 2026. The transcript, which appeared on multiple platforms, included statements that sparked public outrage, with some viewers questioning whether the remarks were real or generated by artificial intelligence. The claim specifically referenced Kelly’s commentary during the episode, where she expressed what she described as her personal opinion on the case, without naming the woman or providing evidence of her identity.
The Details & Investigation
Snopes, a well-known fact-checking website, investigated the claim and confirmed that Megyn Kelly did make the controversial remarks during her October 5, 2026, episode of "The Megyn Kelly Show." The relevant portion of the show begins around the 15-minute mark in the YouTube broadcast, and the audio and video of the segment are publicly available. In the clip, Kelly states, "No one will even consider the possibility that this woman made a decision to get it on with four men total, not seven, and enjoyed it because, I’m just going to be honest, she’s not the most attractive gal."
Kelly’s comments were framed as her personal opinion rather than an objective statement of fact. She did not identify Jane Doe by name and provided no credible evidence to confirm the woman’s identity. However, her remarks directly criticized the alleged victim’s behavior and physical appearance, suggesting that she may have been complicit in the alleged sexual encounters. This type of language is widely regarded as victim-blaming, a practice that can undermine the credibility of survivors and shift responsibility away from the accused.
The claim that Kelly made these remarks is verified through multiple sources, including the YouTube broadcast of the show and the transcript shared on social media. While the original source of the transcript is unclear, the content aligns with the audio and video of the episode. Additionally, the claims about AI-generated content were not substantiated—no evidence was found to suggest that the remarks were fabricated or altered by artificial intelligence tools.
Investigative reports from other outlets, such as MS NOW and Courthouse News, have analyzed the broader context of the Cornell case. The allegations involve seven male students accused of sexually assaulting a female student at a fraternity house in October 2024. According to The New York Times, four of the accused men acknowledged having consensual sexual contact with the woman, while the others denied any involvement. However, none of the accused admitted to non-consensual acts. Despite this, Kelly’s comments ignored the legal and ethical complexities of the case and instead focused on the alleged victim’s choices and appearance.
Based on the evidence, the claim that Megyn Kelly made these remarks is accurate. However, the nature of the statement—criticizing the victim’s behavior and appearance—raises serious concerns about the potential for misrepresentation and the spread of harmful narratives. While Kelly did not explicitly state that the woman was responsible for the alleged assault, her language could be interpreted as implying that the victim played a role in the events, which is a form of misinterpretation and potentially misleading.
The Verdict
The claim that Megyn Kelly said Jane Doe in the Cornell University rape case ‘made a decision to get it on’ and ‘enjoyed it’ is TRUE, based on verified recordings of her remarks from the October 5, 2026, episode of "The Megyn Kelly Show." The statements were made as part of her personal opinion on the case, and while she did not identify the woman by name, the language used in the remarks is highly problematic and could be interpreted as victim-blaming.
Although the claim itself is factual, the content of the remarks constitutes MISLEADING and potentially harmful rhetoric. By focusing on the alleged victim’s appearance and suggesting that she may have consented to the encounters, Kelly’s comments risk undermining the credibility of the survivor and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This type of commentary, even if presented as an opinion, can contribute to a culture of disbelief and discouragement for victims of sexual violence.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
