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Megyn Kelly’s January 12, 2026 criticism of the Golden Globes covered two separate disputes: she called Wanda Sykes’s presenter joke racist, and she challenged Amy Poehler’s win for the inaugural Best Podcast award. Poehler’s Good Hang did win, but Kelly’s claims about the award process were allegations, not independently verified findings.
What Wanda Sykes said—and why Kelly objected
At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, presenter Wanda Sykes joked: “Shout out to the Golden Globes for having me because, you know, there’s some people pissed off that a queer black woman is up here doing the job of two mediocre white guys.” Kelly reproduced the line in her January 12 article and responded, “That is so racist.”
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Kelly argued that Sykes insulted white men as mediocre while presenting herself as oppressed. She also called Sykes “pathetic” and said she should not present again. Those are Kelly’s judgments about the joke, not established facts about Sykes or a universally agreed interpretation of what she meant.
Who won the first Golden Globe for Best Podcast?
Good Hang with Amy Poehler won the inaugural Golden Globe for Best Podcast. The other nominees were Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, The Mel Robbins Podcast, SmartLess, and NPR’s Up First, according to the Associated Press’s account of the ceremony: AP coverage of the 2026 Golden Globes.
#1 Best Overall
Why Kelly criticized Poehler’s win
Kelly said the Globes “gave it to one of their own” and disparaged Poehler’s interview show. TheWrap reported that Kelly acknowledged she had never watched the podcast, though she said she had seen clips. Her assessment is therefore her stated opinion, not an independent review of Good Hang.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Kelly alleged about the award process
Kelly said her own show had been in contention and that she withdrew after being asked to complete forms, pay a fee, and travel to Hollywood for interviews with Golden Globes members. She characterized those steps as lobbying. Independent coverage confirms that Kelly made the allegation; it does not establish that these were formal award requirements or verify that they were applied as she described.
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Kelly’s account does not establish that Poehler personally lobbied, that the award was bought, or that the process was improper. The Associated Press also noted that several prominent conservative-leaning programs, including The Megyn Kelly Show, were not among the nominees. That context does not establish why any particular show was excluded.
Quick Recap
What is—and is not—confirmed
- Confirmed outcome: Poehler’s Good Hang won the first Golden Globe for Best Podcast.
- Attributed criticism: Kelly called Sykes’s joke racist and criticized Poehler’s win and podcast.
- Unverified process claim: Kelly’s account of fees, paperwork, travel, and member interviews has not been independently established in the cited reporting.
- Unclear response: The sources reviewed do not establish a response from Sykes or Poehler to Kelly’s comments.
