NBC News Officially Cancels ‘Megyn Kelly Today’

Megyn Kelly on Megyn Kelly Today (Credit: NBC/YouTube)

NBC has pulled the plug on Megyn Kelly’s morning news programa network spokesperson confirmed Friday.

Megyn Kelly Today is not returning,” the spokesperson said. “Next week, the 9 a.m. hour will be hosted by other TODAY co-anchors.”

The show’s official cancellation comes on the heels of controversial comments Kelly made earlier this week about Halloween costumes that use blackface.

“Back when I was a kid, that was OK, as long as you were dressing up as like a character,” she argued Tuesday during a panel discussion on her show.

The journalist repeatedly defended blackface costumes throughout the conversation, saying: “I can’t keep up with the number of people that we’re offending just by being normal people.”

Read More: Megyn Kelly Apologizes for Defending Blackface Halloween Costumes

Critics —  including some of her NBC colleagues — immediately denounced Kelly’s remarks, leading to speculation that her future at NBC News was in jeopardy.

Although the former Fox News host apologized for her comments, Hollywood talent agency CAA dropped Kelly as a client amid the controversy. She then hired top Hollywood litigator Bryan Freedman late Wednesday in “a sign that she is gearing up for a fight with NBC that could lead to her exit,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Freedman clarified Kelly’s standing at NBC shortly after Friday’s cancellation announcement, stating: “Megyn remains an employee of NBC News and discussions about next steps are continuing.”

Read MoreMegyn Kelly’s Week Goes From Bad to Worse Amid Blackface Backlash

If the television host doesn’t stay at the network, it’s possible she’ll receive a $69 million severance package, the total amount of her three-year contract.

That $69 million payout would increase her net worth to “at least  $100 million,” according to Fortune.

Kelly has yet to issue a statement about the cancellation of her show.