The NBC host sent an internal email shortly after she faced intense backlash for her comments on air. 
 
 Megyn Kelly is apologizing for comments she made on Tuesday's Megyn Kelly Today in which she seemingly defended blackface Halloween costumes. 
 
 In an internal email, Kelly wrote that she's heard from colleagues and friends and realizes her comments were wrong, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. 
 
 "What is racist?" she asked her panelists during a segment about controversial Halloween costumes. "Because truly you do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface at Halloween or a black person who puts on whiteface for Halloween. Back when I was a kid, that was okay as long as you were dressing up as like a character." 
 
 In her memo sent later on Tuesday, she wrote: "One of the wonderful things about my job is that I get the chance to express and hear a lot of opinions. Today is one of those days where listening carefully to other points of view, including from friends and colleagues, is leading me to rethink my own views." 
 
 During the show, Kelly also defended Real Housewives of New York star Luann de Lessep's Diana Ross costume from last Halloween. "Who doesn't love Diana Ross? She wants to look like Diana Ross for one day, and I don't know how that got racist on Halloween," Kelly said. 
 
 The comments sparked immediate backlash online, with stars such as Padma Lakshmi, Roy Wood Jr. and Patton Oswalt calling out the NBC host. 
 
 The NBC host recounted the segment in her email, in which she "suggested that this seemed okay if done as part of this holiday where people have the chance to make themselves look like others." She continued: "I realize now that such behavior is indeed wrong, and I am sorry. The history of blackface in our culture is abhorrent; the wounds too deep." 
 
 Kelly concluded her email to colleagues speaking about "sensitivity" over issues of race: "I’ve never been a 'pc' kind of person -- but I understand that we do need to be more sensitive in this day and age. Particularly on race and ethnicity issues which, far from being healed, have been exacerbated in our politics over the past year. This is a time for more understanding, love, sensitivity and honor, and I want to be part of that. I look forward to continuing that discussion." 
 
 This isn't the first time Kelly has gotten in hot water for such comments. In 2013, she sparked controversy when she said on Fox News, “For you kids watching at home: Santa just is white.” 
 
 Kelly later added: “Just because it makes you feel uncomfortable doesn’t mean it has to change. You know, I mean, Jesus was a white man, too.” The comments came during a segment discussing an article arguing that Santa Claus shouldn't always be depicted as white. 

 A clip from Tuesday morning's episode of "Megyn Kelly Today" is sparking controversy online over the "Today" co-host's confusion over why blackface on Halloween is considered to be racist. 
 
 During a conversation with three other personalities, including Jenna Bush Hager and Melissa Rivers, called "Halloween costume crackdown: University targets 'inappropriate & offensive' costumes," Kelly wondered why darkening one's skin to look like a character or real person is considered wrong. 
 
 "What is racist?" she mused. "You do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface for Halloween, or a black person who puts on whiteface for Halloween. Back when I was a kid, that was okay just as long as you were dressing as a character." 
 
 Megyn Kelly wonders what the big deal is about blackface pic.twitter.com/07yvYDuAYe — Tommy MMXIXtopher (@tommyxtopher) October 23, 2018 
 
 As Bush Hager proclaimed that "there are limits to how far you want to go" with your Halloween costume in terms of who you might offend and Rivers saying "normal people know where that line is," Kelly leaned into her take on the issue and used a real-life example to explain her point. 
 
 She brought up Luann de Lesseps, a longtime cast member on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York," who faced criticism during the most recent season when she seemingly darkened her skin for her Diana Ross costume. 
 
 "There was a controversy on 'The Real Housewives of New York' with Luann, as she dressed as Diana Ross and she made her skin look darker than it really is," Kelly said on Tuesday. "People said that that was racist! And I don't know, like, I thought, like, 'Who doesn't love Diana Ross?' She wants to look like Diana Ross for one day. I don't know how that got racist on Halloween. It's not like she's walking around [wearing blackface] in general." 
 
 "I can't keep up with the number of people that we're offending just by being, like, normal people," she added. 
 
 80 PHOTOS Inside the career of Megyn Kelly See Gallery Inside the career of Megyn Kelly LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA - OCTOBER 02: Megyn Kelly speaks onstage at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit 2018 at Ritz Carlton Hotel on October 2, 2018 in Laguna Niguel, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Fortune) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly, Chuck Todd, Savannah Guthrie, Lester Holt and Andrea Mitchell on Thursday, September 27, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: (l-r) Megyn Kelly and Douglas Brunt on Wednesday June 13, 2018 -- (Photo by: Zach Pagano/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Friday, June 8, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, June 4, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: (l-r) Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Megyn Kelly, Kathie Lee Gifford and Al Roker for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on Friday May 18, 2018 in Windsor, England. -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Megyn Kelly, and Chuck Todd attend the 2018 NBCUniversal Upfront Presentation at Rockefeller Center on May 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Friday, May 11, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Megyn Kelly seen in Columbus Circle on her way to the 2018 Time 100 Gala on April 24, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, April 23, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, March 26, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, January 22, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Wednesday Jan. 10, 2018 -- (Photo by: Zach Pagano/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly and Al Roker on Thursday, January 4, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Wednesday, December 3, 2018 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Holiday Gift Ideas on Thursday, December 21, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Patti LaBelle on Friday, December 15, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Thursday, December 14, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Thursday, December 7, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Friday, December 1, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Megyn Kelly and Diana Williams attend the 2017 Gold & Silver Circle Induction Ceremony at The Lambs Club on November 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Steve Mack/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Presenter Megyn Kelly and Silver Circle Inductee Susan Lucci at the 2017 Gold & Silver Circle Induction Ceremony at The Lambs Club on November 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Steve Mack/Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Thursday, November 30, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Megyn Kelly, NBC News Anchor and host of 'Megyn Kelly Today' speaks onstage with Alyson Shontell at IGNITION: Future of Media at Time Warner Center on November 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: (l-r) Luke Piazza, Megyn Kelly and Alex Voglewede on Tuesday Nov. 28, 2017 -- (Photo by: Tyler Essary/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly and Karen Tack on Friday, November 17, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - November 15: Megyn Kelly attends the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Double Helix Medals Dinner at the American Museum of Natural History Street on November 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Megyn Kelly is seen during an appearance on 'Access Hollywood' on November 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Joe Worley, Stacy Persall and Megyn Kelly on Thursday, November 9, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 07: Megyn Kelly attends the 11th Annual Stand Up for Heroes at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, November 6, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Thursday, September 28, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, September 25, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: Hoda Kotb and Megyn Kelly on Friday, September 22, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 0742 -- Pictured: Journalist Megyn Kelly arrives for an interview on September 21, 2017 -- (Photo by: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Megyn Kelly visits 'Extra' at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 19, 2017 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Megyn Kelly is seen on September 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Douglas Brunt and journalist Megyn Kelly attend the 17th Annual USTA Foundation Opening Night Gala at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2017 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, August 21, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Thursday, July 6, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 26: Journalist Megyn Kelly arrives to discuss Douglas Brunt's new novel, 'Trophy Son,' during Douglas Brunt In Conversation with Megyn Kelly at Free Library of Philadelphia on June 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Monday, June 23, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 13: Megyn Kelly attends The 2017 Mirror Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street on June 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly on Friday, June 9, 2017 -- (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) TODAY -- Pictured: Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, and Megyn Kelly on Monday, June 5, 2017 -- (Photo by: Zach Pagano/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA JUNE 2, 2017: NBC News Anchor Megyn Kelly waves at the plenary session at the 2017 St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2017) at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mikhail Metzel/TASS Host Photo Agency (Photo by Mikhail Metzel\TASS via Getty Images) Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) talk to journalist Megyn Kelly (R) on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) at the Constantine (Konstantinovsky) Palace, Russia, June 1, 2017. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 2, 2017: NBC News anchor Megyn Kelly moderates the plenary session of the 2017 St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2017) held at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mikhail Metzel/TASS Host Photo Agency (Photo by Mikhail Metzel\TASS via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Megyn Kelly attends the 2017 NBCUniversal Upfront at Radio City Music Hall on May 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 01: Megyn Kelly attends 'Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between' Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Megyn Kelly attends the 2017 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) Fox News host Megyn Kelly greets the crowd before interviewing Republican presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Calvary Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C. (Travis Long/Raleigh News & Observer/TNS via Getty Images) WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE -- Pictured: Megyn Kelly -- (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 24: Megyn Kelly (C), Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion attend New York Philharmonic's Spring Gala, A John Williams Celebration at David Geffen Hall on May 24, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for New York Philharmonic) LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 07: Fox News reporter Megyn Kelly attends the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joey Foley/FilmMagic) THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 0470 -- Pictured: Journalist Megyn Kelly during an interview on May 12, 2016 -- (Photo by: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Megyn Kelly attends the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Douglas Brunt and Megyn Kelly attend the 102nd White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on April 30, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/WireImage) MEGYN KELLY presents: Megyn Kelly (R) and Donald Trump (L) during the FOX special 'MEGYN KELLY presents' airing Tuesday, May 17 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Photo by Eric Liebowitz/FOX via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY presents: Megyn Kelly (R) interviews Michael Douglas (L) during the FOX Special MEGYN KELLY presents airing Tuesday, May 17 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Photo by Eric Liebowitz/FOX via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: Journalist Megyn Kelly attends Variety's Power Of Women: New York 2016 at Cipriani Midtown on April 8, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/FilmMagic) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Megyn Kelly attends the 7th Annual Women in the World Summit Opening Night at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on April 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic) Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly waits to begin the Republican presidential candidate debate at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. Candidates from both parties are crisscrossing Iowa, an agricultural state of about 3 million people in the U.S. heartland that will hold the first votes of the 2016 election on Feb. 1. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 28: Moderators Chris Wallace (L) pats on the shoulder of Megyn Kelly (2nd L) as they wait with Bret Baier (R) for the beginning of the Fox News - Google GOP Debate January 28, 2016 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Residents of Iowa will vote for the Republican nominee at the caucuses on February 1. Donald Trump, who is leading most polls in the state, decided not to participate in the debate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Megyn Kelly appears on ABCs 'Good Morning America,' Friday, February 5, 2016. 'Good Morning America' airs Monday Friday (7-9am, ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 0411 -- Pictured: (l-r) Journalist Megyn Kelly during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on February 4, 2016 -- (Photo by: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Megyn Kelly appears on ABCs 'Good Morning America,' Friday, February 5, 2016. 'Good Morning America' airs Monday Friday (7-9am, ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC via Getty Images) MEGYN KELLY WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: News anchor Megyn Kelly speaks onstage during Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit - Day 2 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on October 13, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Fortune/Time Inc) NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 21: TV personality Megyn Kelly attends the 2015 Time 100 Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 21, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 29: Megyn Kelly attends the 2014 Time 100 Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/FilmMagic) LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS -- Episode 080 -- Pictured: (l-r) Political commentator Megyn Kelly during an interview with host Seth Meyers on July 31, 2014 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 27: Megyn Kelly attends at the benefit concert for Army SPC Bryan Dilberain at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts on April 27, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 19: Kid Rock with host Megyn Kelly visits FOX's 'America Live' at FOX Studios on June 19, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images) ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Fox anchor Megyn Kelly prepares for the Fox News/Google GOP Debate at the Orange County Convention Center on September 22, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The debate features the nine Republican candidates two days before the Florida straw poll. (Photo by Charles Ommanney/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Megyn Kelly, host of America Live on set at Fox News studios in New York. Fox News Channel celebrated its 15th anniversary on the air on October 7th. Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE 
 
 As the clip made its way online, Twitter users were quick to call out Kelly for her "ignorance." 
 
 "Megyn Kelly wonders what the big deal is about blackface," the caption on the original clip read. 
 
 "I thought you were a journalist?" one person responded. "Do you not know the history of blackface?" 
 
 "This is what happens when @FoxNews infiltrates the mainstream," someone else replied. "[The 'Today' Show] should be shamed to perpetuate that type of ignorance." 
 
 Others brought up Kelly's comment from 2013 that "Santa is white." 
 
 "I kind of laughed and said this is so ridiculous," she said at the time. "Yet another person claiming it’s racist to have a white Santa. For all you kids watching at home, Santa just is white….Just because it makes you uncomfortable doesn’t mean it has to change. Jesus was a white man too." 
 
 "This is the same @MegynKelly who lost her mind when there were Black Santas at malls," one person wrote on Tuesday. "Says the women who was offended by Black Santa..." another user replied. 
 
 Megyn Kelly has yet to react to the backlash around her latest controversial comments. 
 
 14 PHOTOS Vladimir Putin and Megyn Kelly See Gallery Vladimir Putin and Megyn Kelly Russian President Vladimir Putin and NBC's journalist Megyn Kelly walk ahead of an interview at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 1, 2018. Picture taken March 1, 2018. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) talk to journalist Megyn Kelly (R) on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) at the Constantine (Konstantinovsky) Palace, Russia, June 1, 2017. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with journalist Megyn Kelly during an interview on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia, June 3, 2017. Picture taken June 3, 2017. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends an interview with NBC's journalist Megyn Kelly in Kaliningrad, Russia March 2, 2018. Picture taken March 2, 2018. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during an interview with NBC's journalist Megyn Kelly at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 1, 2018. Picture taken March 1, 2018. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with US NBC news network anchor Megyn Kelly prior to an interview at the Kremlin on March 1, 2018 in Moscow. / AFP PHOTO / SPUTNIK / Michael Klimentyev (Photo credit should read MICHAEL KLIMENTYEV/AFP/Getty Images) Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with US NBC news network anchor Megyn Kelly at the Kremlin on March 1, 2018 in Moscow. / AFP PHOTO / SPUTNIK / Alexei Druzhinin (Photo credit should read ALEXEI DRUZHININ/AFP/Getty Images) MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 1, 2018: Pictured in this file image dated 1 March 2018 is journalist Megyn Kelly (L front) of NBC, a US TV network, and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R front) during an interview at the Moscow Kremlin. Mikhail Klimentyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Mikhail Klimentyev\TASS via Getty Images) MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 1, 2018: Pictured in this file image dated 1 March 2018 is journalist Megyn Kelly of NBC, a US TV network, before an interview with the president of Russia at the Moscow Kremlin. Mikhail Klimentyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Mikhail Klimentyev\TASS via Getty Images) KALININGRAD, RUSSIA - MARCH 2, 2018: Pictured in this file image dated 2 March 2018 are Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and journalist Megyn Kelly of NBC, a US TV network, during an interview. Alexei Druzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Alexei Druzhinin\TASS via Getty Images) ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 2, 2017: US journalist and TV commentator Megyn Kelly, India's prime minister Narendra Modi, and Russia's president Vladimir Putin (L-R) at a plenary session on Day 2 of the 2017 St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2017). Vladimir Smirnov/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Vladimir Smirnov\TASS via Getty Images) ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA JUNE 5, 2017: Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) gives an interview to NBC News Anchor Megyn Kelly on the sidelines of the 2017 St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Alexei Druzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Alexei Druzhinin\TASS via Getty Images) ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 2, 2017: NBC News anchor Megyn Kelly, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L-R) attend the plenary session of the 2017 St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2017) held at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre. Valery Sharifulin/TASS Host Photo Agency (Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images) MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 1, 2018: Pictured in this file image dated 1 March 2018 is journalist Megyn Kelly of NBC, a US TV network, before an interview with the president of Russia at the Moscow Kremlin. Mikhail Klimentyev/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS (Photo by Mikhail Klimentyev\TASS via Getty Images) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE 
 
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 Padma Lakshmi ಮರುಟ್ವೀಟಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ Tommy MMXIXtopher 
 
 I cannot believe the ignorance on this in 2018. You are on national television. You have a responsibility to educate yourself on social issues @ megynkelly. This is so damaging. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/07/22/the-complicated-mix-of-racism-and-envy-behind-blackface/?utm_term=.cab93c0a67b1 …https://twitter.com/tommyxtopher/status/1054725740476973057 … 

 BCS class of 88 grad Megyn Kelly of Fox News cheers a touchdown by her team before a halftime Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Bethlehem Central High School Saturday Sept. 26, 2015 in Bethlehem, NY. At left is Megyn's husband, novelist Doug Brunt. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less BCS class of 88 grad Megyn Kelly of Fox News cheers a touchdown by her team before a halftime Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Bethlehem Central High School Saturday Sept. 26, 2015 in Bethlehem, NY. At left ... more Photo: John Carl D'Annibale Buy photo Photo: John Carl D'Annibale Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Megyn Kelly apologizes for Halloween blackface comments 1 / 7 Back to Gallery 
 
 NBC's Megyn Kelly, who grew up in Delmar, apologized Tuesday for her suggestion that dressing up in blackface at Halloween was accepted practice when she was young, and was not racially insensitive. 
 
 Kelly, a former Fox News personality whose tenure at NBC has been marked by low ratings, devoted Tuesday morning's program to controversies over Halloween costumes, which she attributed to "political correctness run amok." 
 
 "But what is racist? Truly — because you do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface on Halloween, or a black person that puts on whiteface for Halloween," Kelly, 47, said during a panel discussion on her morning talk show. "When I was a kid, it was OK as long as you were dressing up as, like, a character." 
 
 The panel also included Melissa Rivers, NBC's Jacob Soboroff and Jenna Bush Hager, all of whom are white. 
 
 A few hours later, Kelly apologized in an internal email to staff that was almost immediately leaked to numerous outlets, including the Hollywood Reporter. 
 
 In the email, Kelly acknowledged her comments had "suggested that this seemed okay if done as part of this holiday where people have the chance to make themselves look like others. I realize now that such behavior is indeed wrong, and I am sorry. The history of blackface in our culture is abhorrent; the wounds too deep." 
 
 "I've never been a 'pc' kind of person — but I understand that we do need to be more sensitive in this day and age," she wrote in conclusion. "Particularly on race and ethnicity issues which, far from being healed, have been exacerbated in our politics over the past year. This is a time for more understanding, love, sensitivity and honor, and I want to be part of that. I look forward to continuing that discussion." 
 
 Kelly was born in Illinois, but moved to upstate New York when she was young. Her family moved to Delmar when she was 9 years old. 
 
 Kelly, a graduate of Bethlehem High School, Syracuse University and Albany Law School, attracted controversy in December 2013 when she insisted that Santa Claus was white and should be not depicted as a member of another race. 

 Megyn Kelly upset many people on Tuesday with comments about blackface. 
 
 While discussing offensive Halloween costumes on Megyn Kelly Today with an all-white panel including Melissa Rivers and Jenna Bush Hager, the NBC host defended white people painting their skin black if it’s part of a costume because it was OK to do so when she was a child some 40 years ago. However, several hours later, Kelly apologized to her colleagues at NBC for her comments via an internal email, according to multiple news outlets including CNN. In it, she said that after the show aired, she realized from feedback from “friends and colleagues” that blackface is “indeed wrong” and said, “I am sorry.” 
 
 Here's the email Megyn Kelly sent to colleagues today apologizing for her comments on blackface Halloween costumes pic.twitter.com/cOVW1QWJB6 — Tom Kludt (@TomKludt) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 During the segment, Kelly said, “What is racist? You get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface on Halloween or a black person who puts on whiteface for Halloween. Like — when I was a kid that was OK as long as you were a character.” 
 
 Megyn Kelly wonders what the big deal is about blackface pic.twitter.com/07yvYDuAYe — Tommy Christopher (@tommyxtopher) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rivers tried to explain that “if you think your costume is offensive, it probably is” and “normal people kinda know where that line is,” while Bush Hager chimed in, “There are limits to how far you want to go.” However, Kelly didn’t think that donning blackface crossed that line. 
 
 “There was a controversy on the Real Housewives of New York with Luann [de Lesseps] when she dressed as Diana Ross and she made her skin look darker than it really is and people said that was racist. I felt like: Who doesn’t love Diana Ross? She wants to look like Diana Ross for one day. I don’t know how that got racist on Halloween. It’s not like she’s walking around like that in general.” 
 
 NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff replied, “I haven’t seen it, but it sounds racist to me.” 
 
 Kelly ended with, “I don’t know. I can’t keep up with the number of people we’re offending just by being normal people.” 
 
 Twitter seemed a little exhausted with Kelly, who has offended before with racial comments including her insistence that Santa Claus is white. Here are some of the comments from people, including Top Chef‘s Padma Lakshmi and Patton Oswalt. 
 
 Dear @megynkelly — you and I are approximately the same age. Blackface was NOT okay when we were kids. Take it from a big-hearted boy who just wanted to show his love for Nipsey Russell on the worst Halloween of my life. https://t.co/pnsk0WmuTw — Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 I cannot believe the ignorance on this in 2018. You are on national television. You have a responsibility to educate yourself on social issues @megynkelly. This is so damaging. https://t.co/R7UJzkDDG9 https://t.co/7qFkqGHfGJ — Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ohhhhhhhhhhh!!!! So Halloween is like a "bye week' for racism…. Like a one day Purge for blackface…..GOT IT! https://t.co/0ZPBGHJ6U0 — Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Blackface 👏🏿is👏🏿racism👏🏿end👏🏿of👏🏿story👏🏿. Black👏🏿people👏🏿aren’t👏🏿caricatures. — sibongile nkosana (@sbngle) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 On top of everything else that is batshit insane about this clip, Megyn Kelly, apparently, thinks blackface and "whiteface" (I swear, she says this is something black people do and white people get offended by) are equally common and equally offensive. https://t.co/NJVlocibL3 — Adam Davidson (@adamdavidson) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Why do we always have to explain why it is a big deal? Open a history book. Everything that has made America is built on the brutalization and dehumanization of black bodies. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp. We live it everyday. — 20Something & Living (@20SNL_) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sounds about white — 💀The Legend of Sleepy Mikey💀 (@Mike_77Martinez) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Megyn Kelly: Blackface is ok. 
 
 Megyn Kelly: Black Santa is not ok. 
 
 Megyn Kelly: My brain is made of wet flour. https://t.co/EGRJawsrxv — Seasonal Mancino-Williams (@Manda_like_wine) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Santa Truther says what? — Irie DC (@irieDC) October 23, 2018 
 
 
 

– While at Fox News in 2013, Megyn Kelly got slammed for saying Santa "just is white." Another network, another holiday, another controversy: During a segment on controversial Halloween costumes during her NBC show on Tuesday, Kelly brought up the subject of wearing blackface on Halloween and whether doing so is racist. (See video here.) "But what is racist?" Kelly said. "You truly do get in trouble if you are a white person who puts on blackface at Halloween or a black person who puts on whiteface. That was OK when I was a kid, as long as you were dressing like a character." The Albany Times-Union, which notes Kelly moved to upstate New York when she was 9, reports Kelly's guests included Melissa Rivers, NBC's Jacob Soboroff, and Jenna Bush Hager—all white. Yahoo characterizes the three guests as chiming in to essentially say there are some lines you don't cross. Kelly then brought up a costume worn by Real Housewife of New York City Luann de Lesseps last year; she dressed as Diana Ross, and many felt her darkened makeup qualified as blackface. Said Kelly, "People said that was racist and I don't know, I felt like, who doesn't love Diana Ross? She wanted to look like Diana Ross for one day. I don't know how that got racist on Halloween." She later added, "I can't keep up with the number of people we're offending just by being normal people." Padma Lakshmi was among the offended, tweeting, "I cannot believe the ignorance on this in 2018. You are on national television. You have a responsibility to educate yourself on social issues @megynkelly. This is so damaging." Kelly later apologized to colleagues in an internal email, per the Hollywood Reporter; she said she's "never been a 'pc' kind of person" but that she now realizes blackface "is indeed wrong." (This celeb once wore blackface for Halloween.)