Media

Megyn Kelly’s lawyer blasts NBC amid exit talks

by Emily Birnbaum - 10/31/18 3:12 PM ET

Megyn Kelly’s lawyer blasted top NBC executives on Wednesday as the legal battle between the former host and the network over the terms of her exit spills into public view.

The network canceled Kelly’s show last week after she faced widespread criticism, including from her colleagues, over remarks she made about wearing blackface during Halloween.

However, her NBC contract lasts until 2020, resulting in a lengthy negotiating process over the terms of her exit. On Wednesday, her lawyer Bryan Freedman slammed NBC in a statement, prompting the network to fire back.{mosads}

“Despite my efforts to handle this process confidentially, NBC News is allowing the media to run with completely false and irresponsible reports that disparage Megyn by erroneously claiming she has ever asked for more money than her contract requires,” Freedman said in a statement reported by CNN.

Freedman was apparently responding to media reports that indicated Kelly was asking for more than the $69 million her contract promises.

“If NBC News is not the source, then they have a responsibility as a news division to correct these false claims,” Freedman continued. “Or are they somehow attempting to use these fabrications for some fictitious advantage in the discussions we’re having?”

CNN noted that multiple reports have indicated Kelly’s exit talks are stalled over the amount of money she will receive and whether her nondisclosure agreement will prevent her from speaking ill of NBC in the future.

Kelly is apparently reluctant to sign the “nondisparagement agreement,” sources confirmed to CNN.

NBC issued a statement Wednesday responding to Freedman, saying it will not speak about confidential negotiations.

“Unlike Mr. Freedman, who has repeatedly commented to the media throughout the negotiations, we respect the confidentiality of the process, and will have no comment until it reaches its conclusion,” NBC said in the statement reported by CNN.

Freedman responded with another public statement, repeating that any reports that indicate Kelly is looking for more money are false.

“Out of respect for the discussions, I am not going to share more details but any suggestion that Megyn is asking or looking for more than her contract is untrue,” he said.

Tags contract Megyn Kelly negotiations