Feud Erupts Among Commentators Over Antisemitism Claims
Tensions Rise Among Media Personalities
A significant conflict has emerged following Ben Shapiro's criticism of fellow commentators Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Piers Morgan. The contention revolves around Shapiro's assertion that various media outlets provide a platform for guests who propagate antisemitic ideologies and conspiracy theories amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. Shapiro, who co-founded The Daily Wire, stated he would not appear on Morgan's talk show due to the nature of the guests featured, accusing Morgan of hosting extremists and conspiracy theorists.
Shapiro expressed, “The reason I won’t go on Piers Morgan’s show is because he platforms actual Nazis and the Nazi-adjacent.” He characterized Morgan's program as the “Jerry Springer of political television,” criticizing the inclusion of comedian Dave Smith, known for his critical stance on Israel.
Shapiro shared a compilation of clips from Morgan's show, where some guests appeared to endorse antisemitic conspiracy theories or praised Adolf Hitler. He argued that talk shows should refrain from giving airtime to those who promote such dangerous ideologies. In response, Morgan dismissed Shapiro's claims, asserting that the clips did not represent the entirety of the interviews, where he challenged the guests directly.
“It’s outrageously disingenuous that the clips he showed did not include the parts of those interviews where I called out every single one of them about things I didn’t agree with,” Morgan stated during an episode of his program, Piers Morgan Uncensored. He defended the practice of interviewing controversial figures, suggesting that it allows for public challenges to extreme viewpoints.
Kelly soon entered the fray, supporting Morgan and criticizing Shapiro during an episode of The Megyn Kelly Show. She expressed disappointment in Shapiro's actions, stating, “It’s very sad to me as somebody who’s known Ben forever, and made Ben. One-hundred percent – he became a star on my show.” Kelly noted that her friendship with Shapiro had soured following a confrontation at a Turning Point USA event last December.
At that event, Shapiro cautioned Republicans about individuals he labeled as “charlatans” and “grifters” who spread conspiracy theories. He also criticized several conservative figures for not condemning former Daily Wire commentator Candace Owens, who had made controversial statements regarding the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
Carlson also confronted Shapiro's remarks during the event, questioning why Shapiro would advocate for others to be “de-platformed” at a gathering meant to honor Kirk's legacy. Kelly later accused Shapiro of unfairly implicating her in the issue of antisemitism within political media, stating that she has consistently spoken out against it.
The personal attacks escalated on social media, with Kelly mocking Shapiro in a post that read: “Poor little Ben – and I do mean little – desperate for me to protect him. Can you imagine being this emasculated? Sad.” Shapiro responded, stating, “Don’t worry, Megyn. I’d never ask you to protect me. You won’t even protect Charlie Kirk’s widow from the monster accusing her of murdering Charlie,” referring to Owens.
Shapiro clarified that he never labeled Kelly as an antisemite, only urging her to speak out against Owens. He also ridiculed Kelly's assertion that she was responsible for his career's success. Carlson joined the dispute with a fresh jab, questioning Shapiro's intelligence based on his educational background, stating, “I don’t want to attack Ben Shapiro other than to say, that guy went to Harvard? And so did Bill Ackman? I know them both — not geniuses, like not even close to geniuses.”