URGENT UPDATE: A heated confrontation between fitness influencer Jillian Michaels and CNN host Abby Phillip has escalated into a public feud following controversial remarks made by Michaels regarding slavery in America. This explosive exchange began during Michaels’ appearance on Newsnight on August 13, 2023, where she downplayed the impact of slavery, triggering widespread outrage.
Michaels, known for her role on “The Biggest Loser,” suggested that only 2 percent of White Americans owned slaves, insisting that slavery has “existed for thousands of years” globally. Phillip, who confronted her during the broadcast, condemned these statements, stating they were “incredibly misleading” in a follow-up segment on August 19, 2023.
In her opening monologue, Phillip emphasized, “Slavery was indeed bad. It was evil, the nation’s original sin.” She criticized Michaels’ comments, asserting that they misrepresented the historical context and impact of slavery in the United States. Phillip further elaborated that slavery was intricately linked to race and white supremacy, stating, “The rest of the country still benefited from the economic system of slavery.”
The clash intensified when Michaels took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter) to challenge Phillip directly. “Hey Abby Phillip, maybe take notes from Megyn Kelly. Could help ya move outta last place,” she wrote, referencing a previous disparaging comment made by Kelly about Phillip. Michaels attempted to back her claims, stating, “I said ‘slavery has been around for thousands of years’. America is 249 years old. The more ya know.”
Phillip responded to Michaels’ remarks, asserting the importance of creating a platform for constructive debate. “What we try to do on this program is create a platform for discussion and debate… But on this topic, it’s important to say, objectively, slavery was indeed bad,” she stated.
The controversy is not just a personal spat; it reflects broader cultural tensions in America, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump‘s claims regarding cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center and Smithsonian. Trump has argued that these institutions focus excessively on the negative aspects of American history, including slavery.
As the debate unfolds, it raises critical questions about historical narratives and the responsibility of public figures to present accurate information. The fallout from this incident is likely to resonate, prompting discussions among audiences about race, history, and the implications of public discourse.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on how both Michaels and Phillip continue to address this controversy. Their remarks will likely influence public sentiment and could potentially impact their respective platforms.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it continues to unfold.
