Melissa Gilbert is speaking out after Megyn Kelly made widely criticized remarks about Jeffrey Epstein on her SiriusXM program. The former Little House on the Prairie star joined a growing number of public figures pushing back against Kelly’s characterization of the convicted child sex offender and the minors he abused.
During the November 12 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly claimed that some people believe Epstein “was not a pedophile” because he was “into the barely legal type.” She went on to say, “He liked 15-year-old girls. And I realize this is disgusting. I’m definitely not trying to make an excuse for this. I’m just giving you facts that he wasn’t into, like, 8-year-olds.” Kelly added that Epstein preferred “very young teen types that could pass for even younger than they were” and concluded, “There’s a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know?”
Her comments sparked swift outrage, with many accusing her of downplaying the severity of Epstein’s crimes. On November 15, Gilbert addressed the controversy in a candid Instagram post that included photos of herself at age fifteen, including scenes of her kissing costar Dean Butler on the set of Little House on the Prairie.
“So, I debated posting this, but I feel compelled to share,” she wrote. Gilbert said she had seen posts from women using hashtags such as #iwasfifteen and #iwasachild, which prompted her to look up images of herself at that age. “And this is some of what I found…and now, at this age, at this time, I am actually nauseated.”
Gilbert reflected on her own experience as a minor working in the entertainment industry. “The girl on vacation in Hawaii with her family is the same girl who was expected to ‘fall 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. I WAS FIFTEEN.’”
She emphasized that despite the uncomfortable situations she faced, she had adults around her who ensured her safety. “And I was the good news. Thank God my mom and Michael [Landon] 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.”
Gilbert ended her message with a direct warning for Kelly. “You need to be careful with your words,” she wrote, underscoring the harm caused when public figures minimize or distort the reality of exploitation. Her remarks added momentum to the growing criticism of Kelly, as advocates and survivors continue to push for greater care in how discussions about abuse and victims are handled in the public sphere.