Megyn Kelly defended her upcoming interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones as an attempt to “shine a light” on him and his relationship to the White House.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kelly, the NBC News host who feuded with President Trump during the 2016 election, responded to her critics, which included organizers of a Sandy Hook memorial event that she was disinvited from attending.
Here is my statement regarding Sunday night’s interview: pic.twitter.com/iS2VfyLt6S
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) June 13, 2017
“I understand and respect the decision of the event organizers but I’m of course disappointed that I won’t be there to support them on Wednesday night,” she said.
Kelly was disinvited after the interview with Jones was announced. JPMorgan Chase also withdrew advertisements from NBC in response to the interview.
Jones, a radio and internet personality with millions of fans, has promoted conspiracy theories related to Sept. 11 and the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which he asserted was “a hoax.”
Kelly said in the statement she found some of Jones’ assertions “personally revolting” but said Trump, “by praising him and citing him,” has “helped elevate Jones.”
“Our goal in sitting down with him was to shine a light — as journalists are supposed to do — on this influential figure,” Kelly added.
During the 2016 election, Trump appeared on Jones’ show and praised him.
