In the lastest postcast, Kelly, a former Fox News host sparked debatr after criticizes los angeles fire department leadership amid wildfire crisis.
Megyn Kelly has publicly criticized the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as wildfires ravage Southern California.
Her comments focus on the department’s prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over physical preparedness for the fire season.
Megyn Kelly calls out female fire chiefs for being ‘overweight’ and ‘out of shape’
On her podcast, Megyn Kelly targeted three female leaders of the LAFD, calling them “obese” and “out of shape.”
She said: ‘These three women who are at the top there are all, I mean honestly, I’m not trying to be mean, but they’re obese,’
She argued that their physical condition made them unsuitable for leadership in a high-risk, physically demanding environment like firefighting.
Kelly stated that in a crisis, she would prefer a physically strong male rescuer over someone she perceives as unfit.
Kelly concluded said: “I believe I speak for all women in Los Angeles when I say we want a strong man to rescue us.”
Public backlash against kelly’s comments
On social media, many viewers stunned by Kelly’s view. Kelly’s remarks sparked a backlash, with many questioning her insensitive approach.
One person said: Still better than some of you scrolling your phones doing nothing so yeah
A second wrote: I bet nothing be said if it was two men.
While a third commented: Perfect weight to carry those Heavy Clothes..and equipment or else you’ll look like a cartoon character with that Hose …it will swing you all over the place-
Another added: Glad they’re out there helping however are these two the best suited for the position? I say not
Someone else said: They are my heroes! They gave me their extra cheeseburgers and french fries on their way to the fire rescue..
Critics pointed to previous statements made by LAFD leaders, such as Deputy Chief Kristine Larson’s controversial comments in 2019 about residents needing to be rescued by someone they identify with.
Larson had controversially stated that if a man needed to be carried out of a fire, he “got himself in the wrong place.”
Concerns about the los angeles fire department’s budget cuts and impact on fire response
In addition to personnel criticisms, the LAFD has faced significant budget cuts, which have raised concerns about the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.
The department’s budget, which had grown over the years, saw a substantial cut in 2024. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported that the $17.6 million reduction impacted core operations, including training, fire prevention, and communication systems.
A leaked memo revealed that Mayor Karen Bass demanded further cuts to the LAFD’s budget, totaling an additional $49 million.
These cuts were proposed just before the wildfires began.
They would have forced the closure of several fire stations and limited the department’s ability to manage emergencies effectively.
Additionally, Critics have also accused Los Angeles County of misallocating funds, with significant amounts directed toward DEI initiatives instead of firefighting resources.
Reports indicate that funds were spent on initiatives like the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and Juneteenth celebrations. Meanwhile, the fire department’s budget was slashed.
Megyn Kelly’s comments have stirred debate, but the broader issue lies in the fire department’s lack of resources and prioritization of DEI over practical preparedness.
As the cost of the wildfires mounts, it remains to be seen how the city will adjust its approach to future crisis management.