George Clooney Responds to Megyn Kelly’s Criticism of His Broadway Play
George Clooney has responded to Megyn Kelly’s criticism of his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck in a recent interview, questioning her journalistic credentials. During a conversation with Patti LuPone for Variety’s “Actors on Actors: Broadway”, Clooney expressed his frustration with Kelly’s remarks, stating, “I’m not quite sure what she’s done to be a journalist.”
Clooney, who has extensive experience covering international conflicts, explained, “I’ve at least been to Darfur and Sudan and the Congo and been shot at to try to get stories out,” contrasting his real-world journalism work with Kelly’s media presence. The actor’s comments were a direct response to Kelly’s criticism of his previous remarks about journalism.
Megyn Kelly Critiques Clooney’s Views on Journalism
The controversy began earlier in March when Clooney, during a “60 Minutes” interview promoting the play Good Night, and Good Luck, spoke about journalism being “waged” like war. Kelly, not pleased with Clooney’s remarks, mocked him on her YouTube channel, claiming that his views on journalism were biased and overly partisan. “George Clooney’s idea of journalism is just toe the party line when it helps the left,” Kelly said, accusing Clooney of manipulating the truth to support a political agenda.
Clooney and LuPone Discuss Journalism and the ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’ Montage
Clooney took the opportunity during his conversation with Patti LuPone to clarify his stance, stating that he never claimed to be a journalist. “Neither is she, by the way,” LuPone quipped in agreement, adding humor to the exchange.
The discussion also touched on the Good Night, and Good Luck play, which is an adaptation of the 2005 film Clooney co-wrote, directed, and starred in. The play includes a montage of television news clips, one of which features Kelly. Clooney defended the use of Kelly’s footage, emphasizing that the play presents the clips “in context” without manipulating the message. “We literally just go, ‘There are your words,’” Clooney explained. “If people want to be angry about that, that’s OK.”
Clooney’s Defense of His Broadway Play and Journalistic Integrity
Clooney’s response underscores his belief in the importance of journalistic integrity, regardless of political affiliation. His play Good Night, and Good Luck focuses on the role of broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow during the 1950s, particularly in his confrontations with Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare. Clooney’s film and subsequent play emphasize the critical role of journalism in holding power accountable.
This ongoing debate between Clooney and Kelly highlights the growing tension between media personalities and those who view their approach to journalism as political.
