Megyn Kelly Calls Olivia Rodrigo a 'Moron' and Tells Her to 'Shut Up and Stick to Singing' Over Cornell 7 Case

Megyn Kelly criticised Olivia Rodrigo after the singer publicly backed Jane Doe, the woman suing seven former members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity over alleged sexual assault. Rodrigo criticised Cornell University in an Instagram post and called on institutions to address allegations of sexual violence against women.

The former Fox News and NBC News host responded on 'The Megyn Kelly Show', telling Rodrigo to 'shut up and stick to singing'. She further argued that celebrities should not prejudge allegations that remain subject to legal proceedings.

What Olivia Rodrigo Posted and How Kelly Responded

Rodrigo addressed the case on Instagram on 4 October, publicly expressing support for Doe and criticising institutions she said protect alleged perpetrators of sexual violence.

She wrote, 'shame on Cornell and on every institution who protects rapists and abusers over women'.

'I stand with Jane Doe,' Rodrigo added, saying Doe deserved answers, consequences and lasting change.

Kelly read Rodrigo's statement on her programme before criticising the singer.

'Shut up and stick to singing,' Kelly said, adding that she preferred Rodrigo 'in front of a microphone singing your weird, little depressing songs'.

Kelly also referred to Rodrigo as a 'no nothing moron' and told her to 'Be quiet. Go away.'

The remarks followed a broader criticism by Kelly of celebrities who had commented publicly on the case. Kelly has argued that public discussion risks prejudging allegations that remain subject to legal proceedings.

Kelly Criticises Other Celebrities

Kelly has also questioned public comments about the case from figures including Florence Pugh, Josh Gad and Hudson Williams.

Her criticism has focused on the distinction between allegations made against the men and findings that could be established through legal proceedings. The seven defendants are parties to a civil lawsuit, while a separate criminal investigation has been reopened.

There had been no criminal charges against the seven men as of the latest reporting reviewed for this article. Public statements concerning the allegations have been made on behalf of some of the defendants, but available reporting does not establish that all seven have publicly denied wrongdoing.

Where the Cornell 7 Case Stands

Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit in September against Cornell University, seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity and other parties. She alleges that she was sexually assaulted at the fraternity house in Ithaca, New York, in October 2024 during an incident involving alcohol and ketamine.

The allegations are disputed. They have not resulted in criminal convictions, and the criminal investigation remains ongoing.

Cornell has defended its handling of the case and rejected claims that it failed to investigate or adequately discipline those involved. The university has said its Title IX process resulted in sanctions against members of the fraternity.

Reporting by The New York Times, based on disciplinary records, found that two of the men were expelled, two were suspended, one was designated persona non grata and two received no-contact orders and educational or reflection requirements.

The disciplinary proceedings are separate from the criminal investigation and do not constitute criminal convictions. The records also indicate that two of the men were found responsible for sexual assault through Cornell's disciplinary process. Those findings are administrative and distinct from any determination of criminal liability.

Criminal Investigation and Cornell Review

New York Governor Kathy Hochul subsequently appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the criminal investigation. James said her office would review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses and pursue prosecutions if warranted.

The appointment followed the reopening of the criminal investigation by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. The case is expected to proceed through the grand jury process if prosecutors determine that the evidence supports further action.

Cornell has also commissioned an independent review of its handling of the allegations, with former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates appointed to lead the review.

The civil lawsuit remains pending, while the criminal investigation and Cornell's separate review continue.

Rodrigo's comments have brought additional public attention to the case, while Kelly's response has focused on the question of how celebrities and other public figures should discuss unresolved allegations. The competing reactions have added a prominent celebrity dimension to a case that remains subject to civil litigation, university disciplinary findings and an ongoing criminal investigation.