At glitzy events like the Time 100 Gala, where Hollywood A-listers and top media personalities mingle, you expect smooth moments and dazzling arrivals.
But sometimes, behind the sparkle, tensions simmer—and that’s exactly what happened this year when Megyn Kelly called out ABC’s David Muir for what she described as an awkward red carpet incident.
Megyn Kelly’s Surprising Red Carpet Call-Out
Megyn Kelly, no stranger to speaking her mind, dropped some eyebrow-raising comments about David Muir at the Time 100 Gala.
According to Kelly, Muir cut in front of a long line of high-profile attendees waiting for their photo opportunities.
She described the moment vividly: everyone was inching forward, anticipating the chance to shine, when suddenly the procession stopped.
Kelly thought, “Who’s coming? Tom Cruise?”—only to find out it was David Muir making an unexpected entrance.
She called it “humiliating” and “absurd,” pointing out that while everyone expected some major A-list talent, Muir’s move felt out of place and egotistical.
ABC News Responds to the Claims
The drama caught attention quickly, but ABC and Muir have stayed silent publicly.
A source close to the event explained there were actually two red carpet entrances—one for photos, another for TV interviews—and Muir simply followed Time’s instructions to use the photo line.
One insider even took a jab, noting, “Oh, poor Megyn. She had to wait her turn.”
Whether that’s playful banter or a subtle dig, it added fuel to the ongoing chatter.
The Bigger Picture: Muir vs. Stephanopoulos
This red carpet spat might seem small, but it’s just the latest flare-up in a long-standing rivalry inside ABC News.
David Muir, 51, has been climbing steadily in influence, edging out veteran anchor George Stephanopoulos over the years.
According to media watchers, the two have been competing for control and prestige at the network since Muir took over from Diane Sawyer as anchor of World News Tonight in 2014.
Although Stephanopoulos kept the title of Chief Anchor, Muir grabbed the bigger, more visible roles—covering breaking news and major political events.
This shift reportedly didn’t sit well with Stephanopoulos, who allegedly threatened to quit at one point.
The tension was so serious it required then-Disney CEO Bob Iger to step in and mediate in 2021.
A Quiet Feud with High Stakes
While the feud hasn’t exploded into the public eye, insiders say it’s far from resolved.
Journalist Oliver Darcy described the situation as a “détente”—not an active fight, but definitely no warm feelings either.
The divide was on full display recently when Muir made Time’s list of the 100 most influential people, complete with praise from Diane Sawyer, while Stephanopoulos was notably absent.
During ABC’s own coverage of the accolade, the difference was palpable.
Co-host Robin Roberts enthusiastically cheered for Muir, but Stephanopoulos gave only a muted congratulation.
Muir’s Star Is Rising, Stephanopoulos Holds His Ground
Muir’s World News Tonight remains a powerhouse in ratings, regularly pulling in over 8 million viewers a night—far surpassing competitors NBC and CBS.
His reported salary has crossed into eight figures, underscoring his value to the network.
Meanwhile, Stephanopoulos keeps his role on Good Morning America and his Sunday political show This Week.
He’s also branching out with a Disney-backed production company.
But industry insiders agree Muir has become ABC’s main star, with any suggestion otherwise “laughable,” as Darcy put it.
What Kelly’s Comments Reveal About Media Culture
Megyn Kelly’s sharp critique is more than just a gripe about a red carpet moment.
It highlights a bigger trend where news anchors are treated—and treat themselves—like celebrities.
Her description of Muir’s line-cutting was almost an “F-you” gesture, a subtle dig at rival networks and a symbol of the ego-driven culture behind the scenes.
Kelly summed it up with a mix of frustration and disbelief: “Everyone was expecting big stars… and then it was David Muir? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Where Things Stand Now
For now, David Muir’s reputation as a steady, ratings-winning anchor keeps him firmly at the top of ABC News.
Stephanopoulos remains influential but clearly plays a secondary role in the network’s hierarchy.
The tension between them may simmer beneath the surface, but it’s a reminder of the high stakes and egos behind the polished facade of broadcast journalism.