Megyn Kelly is out at NBC, sources tell the New York Post's Page Six, following controversy over a comment she made seemingly defending blackface earlier this week.
NBC aired a rerun in place of her show Thursday, something an insider called "the kiss of death," Page Six reported.
The news comes on the heels of rumors that Kelly was ending her 9 a.m. show by the end of the season and that she was engaged in conversations with NBC about what role might make her happiest at the news division, according to a person who has spoken with the anchor.
But it appears the most recent firestorm has bumped up her exit. According to the Daily Mail, the network will now likely have to pay out the remainder of the $20 million per year contract, totaling $69 million.
Meanwhile, CNN reported, while Kelly and NBC News executives hammer out the terms of her exit, she will not be returning to her 9 a.m. ET show "Megyn Kelly Today." Her official leave-taking is expected in the days ahead, CNN reported. Kelly did not host her show as scheduled Thursday morning.
"Given the circumstances, 'Megyn Kelly Today' will be on tape the rest of the week," an NBC News spokeswoman said Thursday morning.
The blackface controversy began during a recent panel discussion on Kelly's NBC News show during which the conversation turned to "costume police" dictating Halloween, Mediaite reported.
The show's host drew immediate backlash when she wondered aloud what was racist about white people wearing blackface and vice versa on Halloween.
"That was OK when I was a kid, as long as you were dressing like a character," she said, according to Business Insider.
Kelly promptly released an apology, both on social media and on-the-air.
"The country feels so divided, and I have no wish to add to that pain and offense," she said in a tweet Wednesday. "I believe this is a time for more understanding, more love, more sensitivity and honor. Thank you for listening and for helping me listen too."
Her apology was not enough to save grace. Her agency parted ways with her Wednesday and now sources say she will never appear on NBC again.
"Megyn Kelly is done. She is not ever coming back," an NBC executive with knowledge of the situation told the Daily Mail. "We are just working out timing of the announcement but mark my word — she is gone and will never be seen on NBC live again."
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