Almost half say NBC’s decision to dismiss Megyn Kelly was too harsh: poll

Forty-five percent of those surveyed in a poll released Tuesday believe NBC’s response in the wake of Megyn Kelly’s blackface remarks was “too harsh.”

The poll comes four days after NBC officially announced it was cancelling “Megyn Kelly Today” following comments the host made around dressing up in blackface for Halloween.

The host said it was “OK” when she was growing up to wear blackface “as long as you dressed up as a character.” She later apologized, but the network still decided to cancel her show.

The survey, conducted by the Morning Consult and the Hollywood Reporter, found that just 26 percent felt the decision by NBC brass was appropriate.

{mosads}The poll explored several questions regarding the former Fox News host.

For example, just 21 percent in the survey have a favorable view of Kelly, while 40 percent have an unfavorable view. 

Eighteen percent say they have never heard of Kelly, who was the highest-rated female host on cable news upon her exit in early 2017.

Regarding her comments about blackface made on Oct. 23 during a panel discussion about Halloween costumes, 48 percent of those surveyed say the remarks did not alter their opinion of her. Fourteen percent said the comments actually made them like her more, while 25 percent said less.

Among those surveyed on their view of NBC in the same poll, 56 percent have a somewhat or very favorable view. Forty one percent said NBC’s response to the controversy over Kelly’s comments made no difference to their opinion.

Kelly’s legal team is currently working on exit negotiations, several sources told The Hill. There are still 14 months left on her reportedly three-year, $69 million contract.

The poll was a national sample of 2,201 adults and was conducted Oct. 25 and 26.