Megyn Kelly’s criticism of Christina Applegate has reignited tensions with her former close friend, Janice Dean. The controversy followed Applegate’s revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Dean, a former Fox News broadcaster who has lived with MS for over 20 years, condemned Kelly’s remarks and defended Applegate’s decision to speak publicly about her health.
Janice Dean opens up about the friendship with Megyn Kelly that fell apart
During the October 20 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly questioned Applegate’s years of discussing her MS diagnosis after the actress revealed that doctors had been wrong. Applegate, who was diagnosed in 2021, continues to experience debilitating symptoms and is still seeking answers about her condition.
During her show, Kelly said, “I cannot keep up, you guys.” She argued that Applegate had made her health a major part of her public profile. Kelly also questioned celebrities who position themselves as representatives of particular illnesses. In her words, “She’s made like a cottage industry of talking about her MS.”
Following the comments, Dean took to X to criticize Kelly and disclose that their friendship had ended. “She used to be one of my closest friends and then she ghosted me after she endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor and I told her she broke my heart,” Dean wrote.
Dean, who has been living with MS for more than two decades, also defended Applegate’s decision to share her experience. She said the actress helped raise awareness about the condition and deserved credit for being honest about her revised diagnosis. “I think Christina is brave for telling the truth and I’m grateful she became a voice for so many of us,” Dean wrote. She also mentioned that she had been unwell and in and out of the hospital for several weeks.
Additionally, Dean criticized Kelly for targeting the actress. “Now she’s got a mean lady who has millions of followers trashing her,” she wrote.
Applegate revealed her revised diagnosis on MeSsy, the podcast she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Despite the change, she continues to struggle with severe symptoms and is still seeking answers.
