10 Times Fox Host Brian Kilmeade Downplayed Women On Air
Brian Kilmeade, the co-host of Fox News’ popular morning show “Fox & Friends,” is no stranger to controversy. Throughout his career, he has made a series of comments that many have labeled as sexist and disrespectful toward women. This article highlights ten notable instances where Kilmeade has downplayed women on air, shedding light on the broader issue of sexism in the media.
1. Ray Rice Assault Joke
One of Kilmeade’s most shocking remarks came in response to the viral video of NFL player Ray Rice assaulting his then-fiancée. Instead of addressing the seriousness of the situation, Kilmeade jokingly suggested that the primary lesson to learn from the incident was to “take the stairs.” This flippant remark trivialized a very grave issue of domestic violence, highlighting his tendency to downplay serious matters affecting women.
2. Inappropriate Segments
In an episode of “Fox & Friends,” Kilmeade introduced a segment with the insensitive remark, “Let’s see if the girls have clothes on,” referring to women featured in the segment. This comment emphasized a disturbing pattern of objectifying women, reducing them to mere visual entertainment rather than acknowledging their talents or contributions.
3. Advice To Women Lawyers
Kilmeade once suggested that female lawyers could leverage their physical appearance to get ahead in a courtroom. He stated that women could use their “great body” and looks to advance their careers, perpetuating the harmful stereotype that a woman’s value is directly tied to her appearance rather than her professional capabilities.
4. Objectifying Female Leaders
During a memorial service, Kilmeade made a derogatory comment about Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, implying that First Lady Michelle Obama felt jealousy toward her. By reducing the achievements of a prominent female leader to a petty rivalry, Kilmeade undermined the significance of women in high political positions.
5. Hiring Practices
Kilmeade has also made comments about how Fox News recruits female hosts, insinuating they select women from the Victoria’s Secret catalogue and question whether any can carry on a conversation. Such statements reflect a dismissive attitude towards women’s professional abilities and contribute to a culture that objectifies female talent.
6. Comments On Gender Equality
In a tone-deaf remark, Kilmeade once laughed, “Women are everywhere. We’re letting them play golf and tennis now.” This statement trivialized the achievements of women in sports and led to a female co-host exiting the set in response. It showcases Kilmeade’s disregard for the progress women have made in various fields.
7. Gratuitous Remarks
During a discussion on cycling, Kilmeade commented on a female colleague’s physical appearance. His unnecessary remarks emphasized a repetitive issue of placing women as objects of discussion rather than focusing on their expertise, further perpetuating sexism in the workplace.
8. Traditional Gender Roles
In a conversation regarding household dynamics, Kilmeade asked a co-host, “Didn’t men give you the kitchen?” This statement not only reinforced traditional gender roles but also dismissed the evolving contributions women make within both domestic spaces and professional arenas.
9. Advice to a Harassed Reporter
When addressing the plight of a sports reporter who had experienced harassment, Kilmeade absurdly suggested that she wear an oversized outfit to avoid unwanted attention. This statement illustrated a complete lack of understanding surrounding harassment issues and placed the onus on women to change their appearance instead of addressing the behavior of harassers.
10. Objectifying Terms
Kilmeade has been known to use disparaging terms such as “babes,” “chicks,” and “skirts” when referring to women. This language reflects a pattern of objectifying women, reducing them to mere labels rather than recognizing their individuality and contributions. Such language in the media contributes to a culture that devalues women’s experiences and perspectives.
Through these examples, it’s clear that Brian Kilmeade’s comments contribute to a problematic narrative surrounding women in the media. His tendency to downplay women’s achievements and trivialize serious issues highlights a greater societal struggle regarding sexism and respect for women’s roles.
As viewers and consumers of media, it’s crucial to hold public figures accountable for their words and advocate for a more respectful and equitable portrayal of women in all spheres of life. Join the conversation and demand a change in media representation!
