The Megyn Kelly Show | Ep. 1234

Episode Title: Don Lemon's Lies, Sad and Narcissistic Leftists, and the Beckham Drama
Date: January 20, 2026
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guests: James Woods, Britt Mayer, Will Witt

Episode Overview

This episode dives into recent cultural and political flashpoints, most notably the controversy around Don Lemon’s conduct at a Minnesota church protest, the American left’s perceived narcissism and victimhood, and explosive family drama among the Beckhams. Megyn is joined by actor James Woods and cultural commentators Britt Mayer and Will Witt for a fast-paced episode filled with sharp criticism, colorful language, and pointed cultural commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Don Lemon & the Minnesota Church Protest

(00:30–41:00)

• Federal Legal Trouble for Don Lemon: Megyn opens by discussing the legal fallout from anti-ICE protests that interrupted Sunday service at a Minnesota church. The DOJ is reportedly considering charges under the FACE Act and the Klan Act—both of which carry federal penalties, the latter being a felony.
  • "I just feel like it was a red line to go into a church. And the full force of federal law needs to be brought down on everyone who did it." (Megyn, 05:57)
• James Woods' Take:
  Woods argues the outrage over Lemon is a "dog and pony show" and a distraction from deeper Democratic scandals (esp. the Somali fraud scandal).
  • "Don Lemon is the dingleberry hanging off the ass of American journalism. And when CNN got rid of him, they didn’t wipe hard enough." (James Woods, 07:03)
• False Narratives and Lying:
  Lemon claimed ignorance about the details of the protest, but audio played on the show suggests he was fully aware it would invade a church—a direct contradiction.
  • "He knew very well he wasn’t just there...you were part of the harassment." (Megyn, 21:09)
• Racism and Victimhood:
  Lemon positions criticism against him as rooted in racism and white Christian entitlement, a framing both Megyn and Woods ridicule.
  • "Don Lemon is a small man. He’s a small man, period. That’s it." (James Woods, 36:04)
• Journalistic Ethics:
  Woods derides Lemon’s justification for his activism:
  • "'Regular journalists can’t say this but I can say it'...So in other words, there’s a special class of journalists..." (James Woods, 33:04)

2. Sadness, Narcissism, and Victim Culture on the Left

(53:56–74:50)

• "Walkout" by Progressive Activists:
  The crew lampoons the planned 2pm walkout to protest ICE and Trump, calling it disorganized and unserious.
  • "They live the most comfortable, wonderful life throughout human history, and you’re sitting here complaining...just solely to get virtue signaling points." (Will Witt, 55:15)
• Commentary on 'Woke' Appearances:
  A viral video of a single, childless protester is dissected, leading to a discussion of how appearance, social inactivity, and lack of purpose blend into a toxic stew of sadness and performative activism.
  • "There's become this pride in not fitting in to society because you're so weird, because you don't have a marriage, because you don't have kids...It's like a club for the misfits." (Britt Mayer, 58:25)
• Mental Health and Nihilism:
  The contributors suggest that a lack of faith, human connection, purpose, and traditional values underlies the malaise afflicting "sad little activists."
  • "That sense of nihilism that’s infected us in America in 2026...is a huge culprit in why we’re seeing people who lack purpose." (Britt Mayer, 69:43)
• Performative Martyrdom:
  Megyn and guests skewer participants’ melodramatic videos about potentially being ‘executed by ICE,’ calling it attention-seeking and rooted in Marxist "oppressor/oppressed" narratives.

3. Beckham Family Feud & Celebrity Oversharing

(74:50–87:49)

• Brooklyn Beckham’s Public Feud:
  Megyn reads aloud from Brooklyn Beckham’s dramatic Instagram post detailing alleged betrayals by his parents (David and Victoria), shaming, and fits of controlling behavior.
  • "My mom hijacked my first dance with my wife...she danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life." (Brooklyn Beckham, 78:50)
• Panel Reactions:
  • Privacy vs. Social Media:
    • "Airing public dirty laundry like this just feels uncomfortable and wrong." (Britt Mayer, 80:51)
  • Parental Respect:
    • "I think you should respect your mother and father...that stuff he wrote about Victoria Beckham was meant to humiliate her, and I’m sure it did." (Megyn, 83:47)
  • In-Law Dynamics:
    • "You, as the mother, have to make it your job that your son’s wife likes you...If you make it a contest between the two of you, you’ll lose." (Megyn, 85:20)

4. Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, and the Trap of Identity Politics

(88:00–99:11)

• Meghan Markle's Brand Falters:
  Markle's Netflix series is quietly canceled; panelists agree she's lost both UK and US public favor due to inauthenticity and disrespect, not mere overexposure.
  • "She feels forced...she doesn’t feel relatable." (Britt Mayer, 96:11)
• Michelle Obama’s Diversity Shopping Advice:
  The panel reacts to Michelle Obama urging people to buy fashion from minority designers:
  • "I don’t have time to go and find out exactly what melanin type was a part of constructing my jeans. I just buy jeans because they look good." (Britt Mayer, 99:11)
  • "They say there’s all these race issues in America … and we have the most famous people in America constantly, always talking about race..." (Will Witt, 98:18)

5. California’s Proposed Wealth Tax

(100:07–103:47)

• Shock and Disbelief:
  California floats a retroactive 5% "wealth tax" on billionaires, which panelists argue targets job creators and will spark an exodus of wealth and opportunity from the state.
  • "This is how you kill a state...You take the billionaires out, then you take out the opportunity for job growth." (Britt Mayer, 102:30)
  • "You made your money in California, you ungrateful piece of shit," (Kara Swisher, paraphrased by Megyn, 101:53)
  • "Where are these taxes even going to go? It's completely worthless." (Will Witt, 102:26)

Notable Quotes & Moment Highlights

On Don Lemon & Journalism

• "Don Lemon is the dingleberry hanging off the ass of American journalism. And when CNN got rid of him, they didn’t wipe hard enough."
  — James Woods (07:03)
• "He’s trying to rehabilitate himself by lying, which shows a consciousness of guilt."
  — Megyn Kelly (22:41)

On Leftist Martyrdom & Culture

• "Maybe being single and childless is actually my biggest asset...all my friends who have children can't go to a protest and risk getting arrested or worse."
  — Megyn quoting viral activist (56:50)
• "It's a club for the misfits."
  — Britt Mayer (58:25)
• "I think if they would be less homely, they would be happier."
  — Megyn Kelly (62:03)

On Family and Public Drama

• "You as the mother...have to make it your job that your son’s wife likes you...If you make it a contest between the two of you, you’ll lose."
  — Megyn Kelly (85:20)

On Identity Politics

• "If they're not white, I won't buy it...What ridiculous. They say there's all these race issues in America..."
  — Will Witt (98:12)
• "I just buy jeans because they look good...I actually avoid [identity-based labels] because they annoy me."
  — Britt Mayer (99:11)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Don Lemon / Church Protest Legal Fallout: 00:30–24:50
• Woods’ “dingleberry” quote: 07:03
• Debate on Leftist Tactics & Intent: 12:49–22:41
• Don Lemon on podcast — lying montage: 19:59–22:41
• Panel Riffs on Sad Online Activists: 53:56–62:03
• Martyr Video Reaction: 63:32–65:18
• Beckham Family Drama: 74:50–87:49
• Meghan Markle’s Netflix Downfall: 93:39–96:28
• Michelle Obama on ‘diverse’ shopping: 97:29–99:11
• California Wealth Tax Discussion: 100:07–103:47

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is brash, irreverent, and deeply critical of left-wing culture, political elites, identity politics, and the media. Megyn and her guests use sharp wit, vivid analogies, and personal stories to hammer their points, making for an entertaining yet polemical hour of talk.

Much of the episode centers on what the hosts see as a disconnect between liberal/elite activism and the realities or values of everyday Americans—from local law enforcement to blue-collar workers to the family members of public figures. There is sustained pushback against the “victim” narrative, and repeated calls for restoring meritocracy, common sense, and respect for institutions—especially in law enforcement, family, and journalism.

Summary for Non-Listeners

If you missed the episode, you’ll come away knowing the right’s most biting gripes about Don Lemon’s activism and credibility, the perceived self-inflicted misery of leftist activist culture, and the ways public figures (like the Beckhams and Meghan Markle) can destroy their own brands through inauthenticity and overexposure. It’s a wide-ranging critique of modern American culture, packed with sarcasm, well-timed banter, and a cohesive underlying plea for sanity and substance.