Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Slams Megyn Kelly’s Appearance as ‘Looks Trans’ — Critics Cry Hypocrisy Amid His LGBTQ-Ally Pitch
In a moment that has captured both outrage and disbelief across social media and newsrooms, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has found himself under a firestorm of criticism after his latest podcast remarks about conservative commentator Megyn Kelly. On an episode of his show “Clip Farmers,” Lemon reportedly remarked that Kelly “looks trans,” a phrase that many say crosses the line into trans-insult territory — an ironic turn given Lemon’s well-publicised support for transgender rights in the past.
Lemon’s comment emerged during a segment where he and co-hosts were discussing the appearance of “MAGA ladies.” He allegedly said, “I think she looks trans,” and added the term “looks clockable,” slang often used to describe a transgender person who is easily identified as trans. Reactions came swiftly. Social-media users and commentators accused him of hypocrisy — pointing out that he has previously spoken passionately in defense of transgender youth and criticised anti-trans legislation.
This controversy matters because it strikes at the heart of credibility. Lemon has built a public persona as a vocal LGBTQ ally. In his 2023 remarks at the Son Awards, he spoke forcefully about the “avalanche” of legislation targeting transgender youth and drag performances. He also stood by transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney during the Bud Light boycott, asking how her identity “affects you?” when criticised by conservatives.
Now his past support is being challenged by his recent use of anti-trans language. One social-media user wrote simply: “For a man who praises trans people, #DonLemon sure feels comfortable using trans as an insult.” Another asked: “The Left is using ‘Trans’ as an insult now?” The irony is keenly felt because public figures who critique or mock transgender individuals often face strong backlash — yet here the criticism is coming for someone who once defended those same individuals.
Megyn Kelly, for her part, was reportedly the target of these remarks without immediate comment on the incident. She has a history of controversial statements herself, including sharply critical remarks about transgender individuals, making her a polarising figure. In this instance she finds herself central to a story about language, identity and double standards in media.
The incident also comes at a moment when conversations about transgender rights, representation and respect are increasingly prominent in the public sphere. The term “trans” itself has become loaded — used affirmatively, pejoratively, politically, and personally. That Lemon chose it as a descriptor of Kelly’s appearance — and seemingly in a mocking context — has reignited debates about where the line lies between joke, insult and hate speech.
Lemon’s defenders say the remarks were off-hand, perhaps ill-chosen, and not meant to undermine the transgender community. They point out that the clip may reflect conversational tone rather than calculated insult. But critics argue that the choice of words reveals much about how trans identity is treated in public discourse — and how quickly someone can slip from ally to offender.
In the backdrop of this uproar is Lemon’s own professional history. He was dismissed from CNN in 2023 after several allegations of misogynistic comments and inappropriate behaviour. His new media ventures continue to draw scrutiny. Whether this episode will damage his standing with the LGBTQ community, or diminish his voice as a commentator, remains to be seen. What is clear is that the reflexive use of identity-based language in entertainment and news no longer passes without consequences.
For audiences, the story serves as a reminder that public figures are held to evolving standards of respect and language. A person once celebrated for defending trans rights can become the subject of new accusations in an instant, if language trips into stereotype or insult. And in media, as in life, words matter.
