Internet Reacts to Cringeworthy Exchange Between Jane Fonda and Megyn Kelly

In Megyn Kelly’s debut week of her morning show on NBC, she’s already causing a stir over one awkward interview with Jane Fonda.

Fonda appeared on Megyn Kelly Today Wednesday with co-star Robert Redford to promote their new film, “Our Souls at Night.” But minutes into the segment, things took a chilling turn when the host transitioned into a question about aging.

“You’ve been an example to everyone in how to age beautifully and with strength and unapologetically,” Kelly praised 79-year-old Fonda. “You admit you’ve had work done, which I think is to your credit. But you look amazing…. I read that you said you’re not proud to say you’ve had work done. Why not?”

“We really wanna talk about that now?” Fonda asked.

Kelly tried a softer angle to get her question across: “Well, one of the things people think when they look at you is how amazing you look.”

“Well, thanks,” Fonda replied, rather bluntly. “”Good attitude, good posture. I take care of myself. But let me tell you why I love this movie that we did, ‘Our Souls at Night,’ rather than plastic surgery.”

As the awkward exchange went viral, the internet didn’t disappoint in their reactions, GIFs and all.

Jane’s reaction:

Many fans were Team Jane after the awkward interview aired, noting the simple way she shut down the question and circled back to her upcoming movie.

Later on Wednesday, Fonda talked to Entertainment Tonight Canada and reacted to the bizarre moment, saying she was “a little bit” shocked by Kelly’s theme of questions.

“I mean, the fact that we don’t have a lot of time, and [Redford] is right here, it was a weird thing to bring up, whether I’ve had plastic surgery or not,” she said. “I have, and I’ve talked about it, but it just seemed like the wrong time and place to raise that question.”

Though Redford kept quiet during the on-air exchange, he offered messages of support during the pair’s joint interview with ET Canada.

“It didn’t involve me. Of course, I haven’t had [plastic surgery],” he said. “I think Jane didn’t want to go there. I think she didn’t want to have the show turn into about her, her surgery or her look. It was about the quality of the performance.”

Kelly’s defense:

Others focused their reactions on Kelly, who was only in her third day on the air for Megyn Kelly Today, NBC’s new 9 a.m. spot.

Others suggested that Kelly’s reputation as a no-holds-barred conservative news anchor led to her off-topic line of questioning.

But fellow NBC correspondent Savannah Guthrie spoke out on Kelly’s behalf offering a message of support to the TV host.

“I think she’s got the eyes of the world upon her, and I think everybody can relate to how nerve-wracking that is,” Guthrie said on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen Thursday. “But I think she’s awesome.”

Bravo host Andy Cohen also showed his support for the former Fox News anchor during his interview with Guthrie. “I think she got a bad rap with that Jane Fonda thing, personally. I would have asked that question. I have asked that question.” 

“I think I’ve asked that question, too,” Guthrie agreed. “You know, sometimes you ask questions in an interview — live TV, there’s awkward moments all the time.”

One-of-a-kind reactions:

The cringe-worthy exchange has caught the eye of other celebrities, too, including actress Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star offered her message of support to Fonda for the way she handled herself during the startling line of questions.

And others just tried to have the last laugh over the less-than-perfect interview, turning Fonda into a viral meme and poking fun at the awkward encounter.