Applegate vows to remain MS advocate despite misdiagnosis, as Kelly's mockery sparks backlash

Key points

• Applegate stated she remains a 'warrior' for the MS community despite lacking a diagnosis.
• She reported severe mobility decline, requiring a walker and taking 10 minutes to stand.
• Applegate is seeking a rheumatologist and undergoing blood work to identify her condition.
• Megyn Kelly mocked Applegate’s advocacy on her SiriusXM show, calling it a 'cottage industry.'
• Janice Dean, who has lived with MS for 23 years, criticized Kelly’s comments as 'disgusting.'
• Medical experts note that 20% of MS diagnoses may be incorrect due to lack of definitive tests.

Background

Applegate publicly announced her MS diagnosis in 2021 and retired from acting in 2022. She co-founded the 'MeSsy' podcast in 2024 with Jamie-Lynn Sigler to raise awareness. In October 2026, she revealed that new technology led to a misdiagnosis, leaving her with unexplained symptoms. Previous archive coverage highlighted the diagnostic challenges in neurology, noting that conditions like lupus or migraines can mimic MS, and that no single test confirms the disease.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and ABC News focus on Applegate’s emotional response and her continued advocacy, emphasizing her statement that she is 'back at square one' but still committed to the community. USA Today highlights her physical struggles, noting she recently lost weight and is uncertain about her prognosis. Page Six shifts the focus to the public backlash against Megyn Kelly, detailing Janice Dean’s criticism of Kelly’s comments and the broader debate over mocking patients. While Variety and ABC News present Applegate’s story as a personal health update, Page Six frames it as a cultural controversy involving media ethics and public cruelty.

Why it matters

This story illustrates the complexities of neurological diagnosis and the emotional toll of misdiagnosis on public figures. It also highlights the risks of mocking vulnerable individuals in media, as seen in the backlash against Kelly. Applegate’s continued advocacy despite uncertainty underscores the importance of patient support networks and the need for accurate medical testing.

What to watch

Applegate is scheduled to see a rheumatologist and complete additional blood work to determine her condition. She plans to continue hosting the 'MeSsy' podcast, focusing on awareness for MS and misdiagnosis. The controversy involving Kelly and Dean may lead to further public discourse on media conduct and patient advocacy.