Jillian Michaels made headlines this week after storming off the set of her online talk show Her Take, marking a dramatic exit during a fiery argument about Israel and Charlie Kirk.
The former Biggest Loser star, 51, co-hosts the political podcast alongside right-wing YouTuber Amy Dangerfield, former DNC fundraiser Lindy Li, and progressive commentator Ana Kasparian.
Michaels’ departure has sparked discussions about the boundaries of political debate on media platforms and how co-host dynamics can escalate when topics become highly charged.
Tension Erupts Over Controversial Claims
The confrontation occurred during a segment about Kirk’s memorial and alleged financial ties to Israel.
Michaels grew visibly frustrated when an unverified report suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu had offered Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization $150 million to adopt a more pro-Israel stance.
“There’s no proof of that! In fact, the opposite is true!” Michaels exclaimed, demanding verification from co-host Lindy Li.
“Where is your proof that $150 million was offered from Bibi Netanyahu? Where is the proof?”
Her objections intensified as the conversation continued, with Michaels insisting she had no interest in covering the story in that context, especially given its timing immediately after Rosh Hashanah and Kirk’s burial.
Co-Host Clash Escalates
The discussion escalated further when Michaels and Kasparian clashed over the framing of the segment.
Kasparian’s frustration boiled over, leading to a shouted interruption: “Hold on! Let me finish my f***ing thought!” Michaels, exasperated, responded by snatching her laptop and mic and announcing she was leaving the set.
“I don’t know how every show ends up being about how do we bash Israel,” Michaels said before walking off. “This is not for me.
I’m not interested in this. I love you guys, I’m sorry. I have zero interest in doing this.”
Kasparian countered, asserting, “Let’s be good about precious Israel! The country committing a genocide,” but Michaels had already exited the set.
Michaels Speaks Out After Departure
In a conversation on James Li’s Today-ish podcast, Michaels explained that she felt misled about the segment and disagreed with the focus on Israel.
“I said, ‘Guys, this has been covered a week ago, this is the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we’re gonna look like a**holes doing this literally the day after they buried Charlie Kirk,’” she said.
Michaels emphasized that while she supports “healthy criticism of Netanyahu and his party,” she believes there should also be balanced scrutiny of events such as the October 7 attacks.
“Where is the balance?” she asked, adding that Kasparian had “gone down the rabbit hole” on Israel.
Leaving Her Take Behind
When asked if she could ever return to Her Take, Michaels was firm. “I won’t be participating moving forward,” she said.
Her exit raises questions about the show’s direction and how it will handle politically charged topics in the future.
The Launch and Mission of Her Take
Her Take was launched in May by Valuetainment Studios, founded by conservative commentator Patrick Bet-David.
The show aimed to fill a gap in media by amplifying women’s voices in politics and culture.
“This show is about giving a voice to women who are shaping the moment and offering our audience something that feels both real and essential,” Bet-David said at the time.
Michaels also shared her excitement during the launch, describing the show as “sharp, unfiltered, and fiercely intelligent” — a platform for challenging debates and meaningful dialogue.
Looking Ahead
Michaels’ dramatic exit underscores the challenges of navigating contentious topics in a collaborative media setting.
With her departure, Her Take now faces the task of continuing its mission while balancing the perspectives of its remaining hosts.