Megyn Kelly is facing backlash over her criticism of Cindy Crawford following the death of her only son, Presley Gerber.
The 27-year-old model — whom Crawford shared with Casamigos tequila co-founder Rande Gerber — died Sunday at a rehab facility in California. His death is being investigated as a suspected overdose, police have confirmed.
Former Fox News host Kelly voiced her opinions on Presley’s death Monday by attacking Crawford’s parenting.
“Let’s face it, both kids were commercialized,” Kelly said on her eponymous podcast. “He said he was signed when he was 15. And Cindy Crawford of all people should have known the dangers of that. She should have known the dangers.
“When your 21-year-old son is getting a face tattoo and the word he chooses to tattoo is ‘misunderstood,’ you've got serious problems in your family,” she continued, referring to the tattoo Presley had done in 2020. “That’s an all-hands-on-deck situation.”
Kelly shared a clip of her comments on X, inciting heated responses from her followers.
“A young man is dead, and your first instinct is to critique his parents. This isn’t insight. It’s cruelty dressed up as commentary,” one person wrote.
“I will not listen because if you are bashing the mother or the parents the day of their son’s dead by addiction your level of compassion is less than zero. You are a despicable human being,” added another.
“Please just leave them alone. This is such a sad and tragic experience for a family to go through. Some Empathy PLEASE,” another said while someone else chimed in, “As the mother of an addict my heart is broken for the Gerber family. Addiction doesn’t care who you are or where you come from. Then add mental health struggles and it becomes every parents worst nightmare.”
Presley signed with IMG Models when he was 15, and worked with brands including Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta and Dolce & Gabbana. He was open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues in the years before his death.
In March, Presley posted a video of himself using experimental drug Ibogaine in a drug withdrawal treatment called pre Ibogaine Flood Dose. The psychedelic drug is illegal in the U.S., but Presley was undergoing the treatment in Cancun, Mexico.
Months later, Crawford celebrated Presley’s 27th birthday with a July Instagram post that featured two pictures of him as a boy and as an adolescent.
“Happy birthday Presley Gerber,” the post said. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, but I’ll always see you as my little boy! Love you.”
Following the news of Presley’s death, a representative for his parents as well as his younger sister, 25-year-old Kaia Gerber, told The Independent in a statement: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.
In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
Read MorePresley Gerber’s ex-girlfriend ‘very’ angry about his death
Presley Gerber’s death being investigated as a ‘possible overdose’: police
Cindy Crawford showed love for son in post weeks before his death at 27
