Megyn Kelly would have made “edits” to Charlize Theron’s performance of her in Bombshell
Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News host who helped take down Fox News chairman Roger Ailes during the height of the #MeToo movement, has finally seen Bombshell, starring Charlize Theron. The film chronicles Kelly’s experiences with Ailes, as well as Ailes’ impact on other women within Fox News’s headquarters, up until 2017. And even though Theron’s Kelly is championed as a hero in the movie, she would have made some “edits” before the film went to screen.
On December 14th, Kelly took to her Instagram with some of her thoughts about the final cut of Bombshell, which she described as “loosely based on my experience during the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News.”
"I have nothing to do with this film," Kelly wrote. "I did not sell the rights to my story or book and only got my first look at the film once it was past the point of any possible edits, though there are certainly some I would have made."
Despite her disconnection from Bombshell, she added, “Watching this picture was an incredibly emotional experience for me, and for those with whom I saw it.” In a 2017 interview with Business Insider, Kelly described Ailes’ behavior toward her as “explicit quid pro quo sexual harassment, which was basically: You sleep with me, and I’ll give you a promotion.”
"Sexual harassment is pervasive in this country; it can leave scars that do not heal," Kelly wrote. "My heart goes out to those who’ve gone through it, who I hope might find some comfort in this story."
She then stated she would share more thoughts about the film in the future.
The film, which was released in theaters December 13th, has scored four Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, including one for Charlize Theron for Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role. Theron is also nominated for a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Kelly.
It’s strange that Kelly reportedly didn’t have any say in the retelling of her own story. However, being a public figure, she has the platform to tell her audience what the film got right as well as what it got wrong. We’re looking forward to hearing more of her thoughts on Bombshell when she feels ready and comfortable enough to speak about it.
