The Megyn Kelly Show: Epstein and Ghislaine, Possible Diddy Pardon, and Trump Suing WSJ, with MK True Crime Contributors
Release Date: August 5, 2025

1. Introduction and Launch of MK True Crime
Timestamp: 00:00 – 07:40

Megyn Kelly kicks off the episode by announcing the launch of MK True Crime, the latest addition to the MK Media podcast network. This new channel is dedicated to true crime discussions, featuring eight contributors with whom Kelly has collaborated over the past five years. Kelly emphasizes the depth and expertise of the team, including familiar names like Mark Garagos, Arthur Idalla, and others from her previous ventures, such as "Kendall's Court."

Megyn Kelly [02:01]: "We do, we are going back to 2004, my friends."

She outlines the podcast's format, promising legal commentary, live trial coverage, and in-depth investigations twice a week. Kelly encourages listeners to subscribe via various platforms, including YouTube and the dedicated website mktruecrime.com.

2. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Case Updates
Timestamp: 07:40 – 22:51

The conversation shifts to the recent developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Kelly reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a grand jury probe into the Obama administration's role in what she refers to as the "Russiagate hoax."

Megyn Kelly [08:00]: "Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered prosecutors to start a grand jury probe in the Obama administration's role in the Russiagate hoax."

Additionally, James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has subpoenaed all living Attorneys General to testify about Epstein, along with figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and Robert Mueller. The wide-ranging subpoenas aim to uncover any connections Epstein may have had with these officials.

Megyn Kelly [10:45]: "James Comey and Robert Mueller, both former FBI directors."

Arthur Idalla explains the legal intricacies of Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal, focusing on the non-prosecution agreement Epstein received in 2008 and whether it should extend to Maxwell. The argument hinges on whether the agreement was intended to cover all of Epstein's associates or just those specifically named.

Arthur Idalla [09:02]: "It's basically just a podcast feed that you can follow."

Mark Garagos adds that while the Supreme Court could potentially take up Maxwell's case to resolve circuit splits, the high-profile nature and publicity surrounding her name may reduce the chances of the court's intervention.

Mark Garagos [12:09]: "There's that, Arthur. But also the question is, is this a large enough issue that affects that many people..."

Kelly summarizes the legal debate, highlighting the split among federal courts and the likelihood that the Supreme Court may deem the Maxwell case too politically charged to address.

3. Potential Subpoenas and Legal Repercussions
Timestamp: 22:51 – 35:28

The panel discusses the implications of the subpoenas issued by James Comer. If individuals fail to comply, they could face prosecution for refusing to testify, with potential jail time for high-profile figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Mark Garagos [17:22]: "These people are not going to ignore the subpoenas. They're going to get great lawyers like Arthur who will then argue that this is harassment."

Arthur Idalla elaborates on the legal standards required to quash such subpoenas, emphasizing the need for probable cause and the challenges in defending high-profile clients against such sweeping demands.

Arthur Idalla [16:51]: "There are procedures and they have to have cause. They can't just start issuing subpoenas to Megyn Kelly and Mark Iglosh."

The discussion also touches on the broader context of abuse cases, noting the importance of focusing on victims rather than getting entangled in high-profile conspiracies.

Mark Garagos [22:38]: "But can I ask you guys something? All of this stuff, all of the effort, the Clinton this and that... Do we really care at the end of the day who was harming children with Epstein?"

4. Donald Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Against The Wall Street Journal
Timestamp: 35:28 – 49:35

Kelly transitions to a legal dispute involving Donald Trump, who has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The lawsuit alleges that the WSJ incorrectly reported Trump sent a letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday—a claim Trump vehemently denies.

Megyn Kelly [33:24]: "He said, I did not write it. That's the problem for Trump. Signature."

Mark Garagos explains the legal standards for defamation cases involving public figures, focusing on the necessity for proving "actual malice."

Mark Garagos [34:32]: "The issue is whether Trump, probably the most popular man in the land, can prove actual malice."

Kelly also draws parallels to another defamation case involving Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron suing Candace Owens for alleging Brigitte Macron is transgender. The case underscores the high burden of proof required in public figure defamation lawsuits.

Megyn Kelly [34:52]: "And he know he's litigious."

Arthur Idalla discusses the potential outcomes of Trump's lawsuit, noting WSJ's rigorous vetting process and the challenges of proving reckless disregard for the truth.

Arthur Idalla [34:36]: "They did not print the card."

5. Diddy's Legal Battle and Possible Presidential Pardon
Timestamp: 49:35 – 70:04

The podcast delves into the high-profile case of Sean "Diddy" Combs, who has been convicted on two lesser charges related to violent acts. Kelly highlights the robust defense led by Mark Garagos's daughter, Tenny Garagos, which secured a favorable verdict despite Diddy's ongoing legal struggles.

Megyn Kelly [53:27]: "I would say she's done this, but she crushed it, Mark."

Dave Aronberg criticizes the prosecution's handling of the case, arguing that the charges were overly harsh and that Diddy's attempt to secure bail was unjustly denied.

Dave Aronberg [55:38]: "He has had his troubles, he has had his substance abuse..."

Ashley Merchant expresses frustration with the sentencing process, suggesting that Diddy's limited remaining time in custody makes a presidential pardon politically unwise.

Ashley Merchant [60:42]: "Diddy's not gonna be there forever. So why burn a favor..."

Mark Garagos discusses the complexities of federal sentencing and the potential for Diddy's sentence to be influenced by his high-profile status and history of domestic violence.

Mark Garagos [57:25]: "He has had his trials, he has had his troubles..."

The panel debates the feasibility and political ramifications of President Trump pardoning Diddy, ultimately concluding that such a pardon would do more harm than good for Trump.

Megyn Kelly [68:01]: "The Epstein sort of scandal has infuriated the MAGA base because they feel he's covering up for elites, well-connected rich people who may be in these files."

6. Jussie Smollett Documentary and Ongoing Controversies
Timestamp: 70:04 – 122:19

In the latter part of the episode, Kelly addresses the upcoming Netflix documentary titled "Truth about Jussie Smollett?". Smollett discusses his fabricated hate crime, which he later admitted was staged, leading to significant legal repercussions and public backlash.

Jussie Smollett [75:10]: "I'm a real gentleman. That was on the Tasha K Blogger show In June of 19 years later."

The panel critiques the documentary's potential bias and Smollett's attempts to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation. They express skepticism about his claims of unreleased footage that would exonerate him, pointing out inconsistencies and the implausibility of such evidence remaining hidden.

Charlie Kirk [108:59]: "There's no defense attorney that's going to do that."

Arthur Idalla and Phil Holloway condemn Smollett's actions, emphasizing the damage to public trust and the integrity of the legal system.

Arthur Idalla [116:27]: "They're now going to have to go through and they're going to have to memorize almost verbatim every word..."

Phil Holloway further denounces the prosecutors for undermining the integrity of murder cases by appearing insensitive to victims' families.

Phil Holloway [78:47]: "I want that guy, that guy to go away, Megan. I want him to retire."

7. Closing Remarks and Future of MK True Crime
Timestamp: 122:03 – End

Kelly wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of MK True Crime and encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with the new podcast. She highlights the expertise of the contributors and previews upcoming discussions on various high-profile legal cases.

Megyn Kelly [120:56]: "We have the best in the business. And coming up next, three more of them. Phil Holloway, Dave Aronberg, and Ashley Merchant."

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly [08:00]: "Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered prosecutors to start a grand jury probe in the Obama administration's role in the Russiagate hoax."

• Arthur Idalla [09:02]: "It's more about what happened in the courtroom during the trial."

• Mark Garagos [22:38]: "Do we really think that this circus is ever going to get down to that?"

• Megyn Kelly [34:32]: "It's a very tough situation because you're talking about high-profile individuals."

• Dave Aronberg [57:25]: "He didn't get a fair trial in New York."

• Ashley Merchant [60:42]: "He's a misogynist. He's a woman beater. He's a horrible person."

• Jussie Smollett [75:10]: "I didn't put it around his neck. I just placed it on his face."

Conclusion

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides an in-depth exploration of several high-profile legal cases, including updates on the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell investigations, Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, Sean "Diddy" Combs's legal battles, and the upcoming Jussie Smollett documentary. With contributions from seasoned legal experts, the discussion navigates complex legal landscapes, highlighting the interplay between high-profile individuals and the justice system. The launch of MK True Crime promises to offer listeners detailed legal commentary and true crime analysis, further expanding Kelly's media footprint.