Additional Coverage:
- ‘Little House on the Prairie’s Melissa Gilbert Sends Direct Message to Megyn Kelly’s Epstein Remarks (parade.com)
Melissa Gilbert Confronts Megyn Kelly Over Jeffrey Epstein Remarks
Actress Melissa Gilbert, known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, has directly challenged conservative commentator Megyn Kelly regarding her recent statements about Jeffrey Epstein. Gilbert’s message, shared via an Instagram post, came in response to Kelly’s comments on The Megyn Kelly Show where she discussed new revelations in the Epstein case.
During her show, Kelly, 54, relayed information from a source “very close to the case” who claimed Epstein-who died in prison in 2019 awaiting trial for sex trafficking-“was not a pedophile” because he was “into the barely legal type.” Kelly added, “There’s a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know?
It’s just, whatever, it’s sick. Every time we start talking about Epstein, it makes your skin crawl, right?
The whole thing is just disgusting.”
Gilbert, 61, took to Instagram on Saturday, November 15, to voice her strong disagreement. “So, I debated posting this but, I feel compelled to share,” she began her post.
“After seeing many women’s posts with the hashtags #iwasfifteen#imfifteen#iwasachild , I decided to Google search myself at that age and see what came up. And this is some of what I found…and now, at this age, at this time, I am actually nauseated.”
The former child star highlighted the stark reality of being a minor in the entertainment industry. “The girl on vacation in Hawaii with her family, is the same girl who was expected to [be] ‘all in love with’ and kiss a man on film who was several years older than she was.
Through the lens of today, this is shocking. I have no words other than to say, ‘I WAS A CHILD.'”
Gilbert credited her Little House on the Prairie co-star Michael Landon and her mother for their protection during her youth. “‘I WAS FIFTEEN.’
And I was the good news,” she reiterated. “Thank God my mom and Michael and so many others were there to make sure I was safe.
Can you imagine if I hadn’t had them all? I am so fortunate (Sort of).
Many other young women aren’t.”
Concluding her powerful message, Gilbert directly addressed Kelly: “@megynkelly you need to be careful with your words.”
Gilbert’s Instagram post garnered significant support from her followers. Comments poured in, with one fan stating, “And THAT needed to be said.
👏 I’m glad you posted this. 💕.”
Another follower remarked, “Seems shocking that we even have to have this spelled out.” Others acknowledged the changing societal perspectives, with one user noting, “Times have definitely changed since the 70s-80s.
Not that this makes it better. But dang.
I didn’t realize you were that young when Laura married Almanzo!”
Gilbert starred in Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1983, beginning her role at the age of 10. She was 15 when she filmed her first on-screen kiss with Dean Butler, 23, who played Almanzo Wilder.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.