Megyn Kelly recently caused controversy by stating there is a difference between a 5-year-old and a 15-year-old in discussions about pedophilia, particularly in the context of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Kelly suggested she did not initially consider Epstein a "pedophile" because many of his victims were reportedly 15 and older, arguing that he "liked 15-year-old girls," as opposed to much younger children. She stated, "There's a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know? The whole thing is just disgusting," making clear she viewed Epstein's preferences as less severe than abuse of far younger children.

These comments were met with immediate backlash, with critics emphasizing that 15-year-olds are still children and that any sexual exploitation of minors is deeply wrong regardless of age. Many have accused Kelly of minimizing the severity of Epstein's crimes and attempting to draw an inappropriate distinction between abuse of teens and younger children. Public response has included condemnation from activists, media figures, and even comedy parodies, all pointing out that consent, legality, and the harm of exploitation are not diminished by the victim being in their teens.