Megyn Kelly reignited her criticism of Beyoncé on The Megyn Kelly Show after discovering that footage of her own remarks was included in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour performances, sparking discussion about the singer’s response to negative commentary. As Beyoncé confronts criticism during Cowboy Carter tour controversy, Kelly alleged that the inclusion of her comments was designed to position Beyoncé as a victim to her fanbase.
Megyn Kelly Voices Displeasure Over Tour Footage
During her show, Megyn Kelly addressed reports that Beyoncé had incorporated video of Kelly’s previous criticism into her Cowboy Carter world tour production. Kelly argued that Beyoncé, while enjoying immense success and privilege, was intentionally highlighting her critics to present herself as misunderstood or targeted. She did not mince words when expressing her disapproval of the singer’s decision.
“It recently came to my attention that Beyoncé, who’s on some world tour right now reinventing herself as a country star, is running videotape during the show of your’s truly,”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Kelly continued her vocal discontent surrounding the way Beyoncé has promoted Cowboy Carter, suggesting that the music and its reception were being exaggerated to near-religious heights. Throughout her comments, she repeatedly called attention to what she sees as an effort by Beyoncé to deflect valid critique.
Details Behind the Onstage Criticism
The video clip shown during Beyoncé’s concert reportedly displays a blurred segment in which Kelly is seen offering her perspective on the singer’s change in genre. Kelly explained on her show that the video was used deliberately to address those who have voiced doubts or opposition to Beyoncé’s entry into country music.
“Like it’s Jesus incarnate, he’s back. All hail Queen Bey. She’s here to rescue country music,”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Kelly argued that country music had been prosperous long before Beyoncé became involved. She interpreted the inclusion of her comments as an attempt to set up a confrontation between Beyoncé and those she deemed ‘haters‘ or doubters.
“was a perfectly thriving industry long before Beyoncé showed up.”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Kelly told her audience that the concert footage seemed staged for dramatic effect, aiming to give the impression that detractors were especially hostile or unreasonable in their assessment of Beyoncé’s foray into country music.
“It appears to be a set up for her doubters, for her haters,”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Kelly also expressed frustration at being labeled unfairly online due to her opinions. Recalling a social media response, she noted:
“Someone who posted it online referred to me as a white supremacist, I guess because I didn’t bow down to Queen Bey as she walked into country music.”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Broader Frustration With Celebrity Status
Speaking with journalist Glenn Greenwald on her show, Kelly suggested that both Beyoncé and other prominent figures such as Michelle Obama are shielded from critique, and that this supposed immunity incites her to voice her criticism even more strongly.
“You’re not allowed to rip on her. By the way, you’re not allowed to rip on Michelle Obama, either, but we do,”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Kelly added that being told certain celebrities are beyond reproach increases her desire to speak out against them, regardless of their popularity.
“Too bad. The more untouchable you tell me somebody is, the more likely I am to want to hit them.”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
She went further, claiming that Beyoncé had to search deliberately for the rare negative comment, positioning herself as a victim despite her vast popularity and wealth.
“She had to scour the internet to find anybody who offered any criticism of this move whatsoever. Here is another one of the most privileged, beloved women in the world … and richest based on her own fortune, never mind the man she’s married to, but still has to look for the one sliver where she could play the victim and be aggrieved, because big bad Megyn Kelly said something completely milk toast about her entry into country music.”
—Megyn Kelly, Host of The Megyn Kelly Show
Cowboy Carter Tour’s Financial Success Amid Controversy
Despite the public controversy, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour opened in Los Angeles on April 30, drawing major crowds and reportedly generating a record $55 million in revenue, according to Billboard. The launch showcased the ongoing appeal and commercial power of Beyoncé, even as she faced pushback from voices like Kelly.
What Lies Ahead for Beyoncé and Her Critics
The heated discussion sparked by Megyn Kelly’s comments and their inclusion in Beyoncé’s tour highlights the complex relationship between celebrities and media criticism. As Beyoncé confronts criticism during Cowboy Carter tour controversy, the ongoing debate illustrates both the singer’s significant cultural influence and the willingness of media personalities to challenge her decisions. With the tour continuing to attract attention and break records, public dialogue around Beyoncé’s evolving artistic choices and her handling of negative press is likely to persist.
