Megyn Kelly Sparks Backlash After Comparing Ilhan Omar's SOTU Outburst to BAFTAs Tourette's Incident

Megyn Kelly is facing sharp backlash after making a controversial comparison while reacting to Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s outburst during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

On the February 25 episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” the former Fox News host criticized Omar for shouting during Trump’s remarks on immigration — and likened the congresswoman’s behavior to that of Tourette’s syndrome advocate John Davidson, who involuntarily shouted profanity and a racial slur during the 2026 BAFTA Awards.

“You know who Ilhan Omar reminded me of last night? That Tourette’s syndrome guy at the BAFTAs on Sunday. Like incapable of controlling her foul mouth,” Kelly said. “She should be censored. She should absolutely face discipline in the House as a result of this.”

Democrats were largely silent for the first hour of Trump’s address. Tensions escalated when the president turned to immigration and criticized Democratic lawmakers for not supporting his policies. Omar and fellow Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan responded by shouting at the president. At one point, Omar yelled, “You kill Americans,” and later added, “You should be ashamed.”

Kelly doubled down on her criticism, saying Omar “never stopped heckling him” and repeating that “it was like the guy at the BAFTAs... yelling f--- you, go f--- yourself and some worse things than that.”

Omar’s remarks appeared to reference the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. She represents Minnesota's 5th congressional district, which includes Minneapolis.

The comparison Kelly drew involved John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner who involuntarily shouted profanity — including a racial slur— while Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting at the 2026 BAFTAs. The moment aired unbleeped on the BBC, prompting widespread criticism.

Davidson later said he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”

BAFTA issued an apology, saying it took “full responsibility” and expressing regret to Jordan, Lindo and “all those impacted.” Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action, stressed: “These symptoms are neurological, not intentional.”

Critics argued that Kelly’s comparison conflated a medical condition with a deliberate act of protest.

Kelly’s remarks quickly ignited criticism online, with users accusing her of insensitivity.

Trump also responded to the confrontation on his Truth Social platform, targeting Omar and Tlaib in a lengthy post, calling them “Low IQ” and saying “we should send them back where they came from.”

Omar, who arrived in the U.S. in 1995 and became a citizen in 2000, and Tlaib, who was born in Detroit, are both Muslim, and have both been frequent targets of Trump’s rhetoric.