Megyn Kelly, the well-known journalist and television host, recently opened up about her unique and memorable experiences with Hollywood legends Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.

In a candid conversation with writer Maureen Callahan, Kelly shared personal anecdotes that reveal a side of these stars not often seen by the public, illustrating the complexities behind their public personas.

Kelly began by recounting a moment that left a lasting impression on her: receiving a personal handwritten note from Robert Redford.

This gesture came after a high-profile debate she moderated involving Donald Trump, a moment that earned her both praise and criticism, especially from political circles.

Despite Redford’s known Democratic leanings, Kelly expressed that his note was sincere and meaningful.

“A no from Robert Redford is a no from Robert Redford,” she said, emphasizing the weight his approval carried for her.

When asked about the content of the note, Kelly revealed that Redford praised her professionalism, calling her a “great journalist,” notably without mentioning her appearance.

This omission sparked an interesting discussion about a social phenomenon known as “negging.”

Kelly explained that “negging” is a term popularized in the late 1990s and early 2000s, describing a tactic where a person gives a backhanded compliment or subtle insult to undermine someone’s confidence while trying to engage with them.

She recounted how she learned about this after an awkward encounter with a man at a bar who “negged” her.

In the context of Redford’s note, Kelly speculated that his choice not to comment on her looks might have been a form of “negging.

” However, she took it in stride, feeling honored just to receive recognition from such a respected figure.

“Even a neg is a pro,” she remarked, highlighting that Redford’s admiration, whether straightforward or nuanced, was a positive acknowledgment in her eyes.

Kelly reflected on the aftermath of the debate with Trump, noting that she received considerable admiration from Democrats for her performance.

Yet, she maintained that her approach was impartial and tough on all candidates, not just Trump.

“I wasn’t trying to take down Trump. I was mean to all of them,” she said.

She also hinted that if given the chance to host a Democratic debate, she might be even tougher on those candidates, though she doubted many Democrats would have the courage to face her.

This balanced stance underscores Kelly’s commitment to journalistic integrity, even when it risks alienating political groups that might otherwise support her.

Kelly then shifted to a memorable television moment when Robert Redford appeared on her NBC show.

She described a scene where Redford walked out accompanied by Jane Fonda, adding a layer of complexity to the interview dynamic.

This led Kelly to share a particularly intriguing story about her interaction with Jane Fonda, which had made international headlines.

Kelly had famously asked Fonda about her plastic surgery, a question that sparked controversy and accusations of insensitivity.

However, Kelly defended her approach, pointing out that Fonda had openly discussed the topic in other interviews.

Kelly questioned why she was singled out for asking what others had freely asked.

What many did not know was the reason behind Kelly’s line of questioning. She revealed that Robert Redford’s publicist was in the audience during the interview, while Jane Fonda’s was not.

Fonda herself had approached Kelly before the segment, asking her not to bring up the sex scenes from their films because Redford was uncomfortable discussing them.

Fonda was described as “obsessed” with the sex scenes, making Redford uneasy.

Kelly’s decision to ask about plastic surgery instead was a deliberate attempt to shield Redford from discomfort while still engaging Fonda on a subject she was willing to talk about.

“I was trying to do him a solid,” Kelly explained. Unfortunately, this good deed backfired in the public eye, but Kelly’s intent was clear: to navigate the interview with sensitivity to both stars.

Kelly concluded her stories with a reflection on Robert Redford’s enduring legacy.

Despite being in his seventies, Redford apparently still carried a certain intensity, with Kelly humorously noting that many of his co-stars seemed attracted to him, yet he remained steadfast and somewhat burdened by his own standards.

She acknowledged the remarkable life and career Redford has had, underscoring the impact he has made in Hollywood and beyond.

“We will miss him, but what a legacy,” Kelly said, paying tribute to the actor and filmmaker’s contributions to the arts and society.

Kelly’s anecdotes highlight the often complicated relationships between Hollywood celebrities, politics, and media.

Redford’s Democratic affiliation and Kelly’s role as a journalist intersected in ways that were both supportive and challenging.

The political reactions to Kelly’s debate moderation illustrate how media figures can become focal points in broader cultural and political battles.

Similarly, the interaction between Redford and Fonda, two iconic actors with their own political histories, reveals how personal dynamics can influence public appearances and media coverage.

Kelly’s navigation of these relationships demonstrates the delicate balance journalists must maintain when dealing with powerful figures who have their own agendas and sensitivities.

Megyn Kelly’s personal stories about Robert Redford and Jane Fonda offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes of celebrity interactions and media interviews.

Her experiences reflect the complexities of navigating fame, politics, and personal boundaries in the public eye.

Through candid reflections and humorous insights, Kelly humanizes these legendary figures while also asserting her own role as a journalist committed to truth and fairness.

These stories remind us that behind every headline and public appearance lies a web of personal relationships and unspoken tensions.

Kelly’s ability to share these moments with honesty and nuance enriches our understanding of the interplay between media, politics, and celebrity culture.

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