Right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly apparently thinks that former First Lady Michelle Obama speaking openly and honestly about her experiences as a mother and wife is an issue that needs attention.
On Friday, Kelly shared a parody video on X, formerly Twitter, which features her mockingly impersonating the “Becoming” author with a character she created called “Megyn O.” In the roughly five-minute clip, Kelly pretends to be the former first lady talking about her personal life on a podcast. (Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, launched a new podcast series, titled “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” back in March.)
The former Fox News Host put her own spin on some of the conversations Obama has had on her “IMO” podcast, as well as various appearances she’s made on other platforms.
One part of the parody video featured a real clip of Obama’s appearance on “The Diary of a CEO” podcast last month, in which she talked about her fertility struggles, undergoing vitro fertilization and experiencing pregnancy loss, during the nearly 90-minute video interview. Obama said on the podcast at the time that she speaks openly about her own experiences because she doesn’t think there’s enough public conversations about women’s health.
She said that the lack of discussions surrounding pregnancy loss can cause women who experience it to feel isolated, or as if they are in some way at fault. “And that can become the first pressure point in a marriage,” she said.
Speaking further about fertility struggles, pregnancy and raising kids — and how all of those things can impact marriages and relationships — Obama said: “Babies… little people with their own sense of everything… they mess you up.”
“You love them dearly, but they’re a hassle,” she said with a laugh. “And they’re demanding, and they have their own whims, and now they’re in your world, in your partnership, they are factored into everything.”
Kelly took a swipe at this part of Obama’s appearance on “The Diary of a CEO.”
In her parody video, Kelly, while pretending to be Obama, said, “I don’t understand these women, who have these kids … do you know what having children does to your life? It ruins it. Your life is ruined. Say goodbye to your happiness, whatever may have existed.”
The former Fox News host has criticized Obama for being vulnerable and for sharing aspects about her personal life before.
Back in April, Kelly and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson slammed the former first lady for talking about the racism and bias that still plague the U.S. during her appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast. And earlier that month, Kelly complained about Obama talking publicly about the ups and downs in her marriage to former President Barack Obama, saying, “Every word she says about Barack Obama is negative.”
But Kelly’s attacks targeting Obama’s vulnerability can cause harm to others listening at home, said Heather Crampton, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor with Thriveworks.
Not only can mocking someone sharing their personal struggles — as Kelly did — “breed shame and discourage open and honest dialogue” for the intended target, but the right-wing pundit’s parody video can cause a “chilling effect” for viewers at home, Crampton told HuffPost.
“People who are already hesitant to talk about sensitive topics like fertility challenges, marital strain, or the stress of parenting might feel that if a prominent woman is ridiculed for her honesty, they too will be judged or laughed at for admitting similar struggles,” she said. “This dynamic reinforces stigma and the idea that you should keep difficulties private or pretend everything is fine, which can lead to feelings of isolation, guilt or shame.”
“In contrast, when vulnerability is met with respect, it empowers others to be open and seek support,” she continued. “While criticism of ideas is part of public discourse, mocking personal hardship often does more harm than good, both to the individual being targeted and to anyone watching who relates to those experiences.”
Marcus Ingram via Getty Images
Public discussions about fertility struggles and marital strain can actually help destigmatize these topics.
“When people in the public eye share what they’ve gone through with things such as IVF, miscarriages, marital strain or the exhaustion of raising children, subjects that are often very isolating, it sends a message that these aren’t a sign of failure, they are just part of being human,” Crampton said. “When a respected figure like Michelle Obama shares that she went through fertility issues, it helps others going through that feel less alone and empowered to seek help.”
She also emphasized that these conversations in the public help counter the “myth that only certain types of people face these problems.”
“Overall, sharing honestly helps create a culture where people feel safer seeking help, expressing their emotions, and supporting one another through the inevitable difficulties of relationships and family life,” she added.
And for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by parenting responsibilities or going through a difficult period in their marriage or relationship, Crampton emphasized that it’s important to reach out to someone you trust.
“If that isn’t available to you in your personal life, consider professional support,” she said. “For immediate reprieve, take some small breaks when you can such as going for a walk or a few minutes of meditation, or journaling your feelings. Getting your thoughts out, even if on paper, can make a huge difference.”
Crampton said that a good starting point for getting help can be contacting your primary care provider, or your insurance company for referrals to mental health services.
“Many communities also have parenting helplines and relationship resources you can contact confidentially,” she added.
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