Applegate's MS Misdiagnosis Sparks Outrage as Kelly Faces Backlash for Mocking Actress
Christina Applegate revealed on Oct. 21 that her 2021 multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis was incorrect, leaving her with unexplained, worsening symptoms. Megyn Kelly criticized Applegate for 'leaning into' her health issues, calling her advocacy a 'wild goose chase.' This prompted fierce backlash from 'The View' cohosts, including Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines, who condemned Kelly as a bully. Applegate, who retired from acting after her initial diagnosis, now faces a new medical uncertainty while continuing to advocate for patients.
Key points
- Applegate disclosed on her 'MeSsy' podcast that new brain-scanning technology revealed she does not have MS, though her symptoms persist and have worsened.
- Megyn Kelly attacked Applegate on her talk show, suggesting the actress was 'crying' because she no longer had a disease to represent and labeled her health journey a 'wild goose chase.'
- 'The View' hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin strongly defended Applegate, with Haines calling Kelly a 'bully' and Goldberg criticizing her lack of empathy.
- Applegate stated she feels she 'let everybody down' by becoming a major MS advocate only to be misdiagnosed, describing her current state as a 'mindfuck.'
- Popular Mechanics notes that MS misdiagnosis rates are approximately 15-18%, often due to overlapping symptoms with conditions like fibromyalgia or migraines.
Background
Applegate was diagnosed with MS in 2021, which led to her retirement from acting after the finale of 'Dead to Me' in 2022. She subsequently became a prominent advocate for the disease, co-hosting the 'MeSsy' podcast with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Our archive indicates that this controversy has been ongoing since Oct. 22, with former Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean also condemning Kelly's remarks as bullying.
How outlets are covering it
Variety focuses heavily on the interpersonal conflict, highlighting the specific insults exchanged between Kelly and 'The View' cohosts, such as Goldberg's question about whether Applegate wanted MS 'to have a good time.' Popular Mechanics provides a clinical perspective, explaining that MS diagnosis relies on the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria and that misdiagnosis is common due to symptom overlap. While Variety emphasizes the emotional fallout and celebrity dynamics, Popular Mechanics contextualizes the event within broader medical statistics, noting that 200 people are diagnosed with MS weekly in the U.S. and that gender bias may influence diagnostic accuracy.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the vulnerability of patients facing misdiagnosis and the public scrutiny faced by celebrities who share health struggles. It also underscores ongoing debates about medical diagnostic accuracy, particularly for women, and the ethical boundaries of public commentary on private health crises.
What to watch
Applegate and her medical team will continue investigating her persistent symptoms without an MS diagnosis. The public discourse may shift toward broader discussions on medical misdiagnosis rates and the role of new biomarkers, such as the 'central vein sign,' in improving diagnostic speed and accuracy.
- Megyn Kelly Slammed for Attacking Christina Applegate Over MS Misdiagnosis; ‘The View’ Hosts Call Her a ‘Bully’ and a ‘Fungus That Thrives’ on Outrage Variety
- ‘Back at Square One’: Christina Applegate Says Her M.S. Was Misdiagnosed The New York Times
- Why Is Multiple Sclerosis Often Misdiagnosed? HealthCentral
- Christina Applegate's experience highlights challenges of diagnosing MS PBS
- New Brain-Scanning Tech Told Christina Applegate She Never Had MS. Here’s How That’s Possible. Popular Mechanics
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Variety