Megyn Kelly draws attention to Savannah’s ‘kidnapping game’ remark amid developments in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping

Megyn Kelly revisits Savannah’s past amid kidnapping probe

Megyn Kelly has reignited debate by bringing up an unsettling line from Savannah Guthrie’s 2024 book, as concern grows over the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie. The renewed attention comes while authorities continue investigating the situation surrounding the longtime morning show host’s family.

On the Tuesday, February 17 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly pointed to Savannah’s admission about a “kidnapping game” she played as a child. The comment quickly drew notice online, with viewers weighing whether the resurfaced remark adds context or simply fuels speculation.

Savannah’s ‘kidnapping game’ confession

“This woman, I don’t know, flagged that Savannah’s book, which was released in February of 2024, discussed a game she used to play as a kid with her cousin, and it was a kidnapping game involving Nancy,” Kelly explained.

Kelly said audio from Mostly What God Does revealed Savannah’s cousin Teri, “like an aunt to her growing up”, and noted Teri is 20 years older than Savannah, adding context to the unusual childhood game.

The ‘kidnapping game’ involving Savannah and her sister

In the audio, Savannah said: “About once a year, in the summertime, my cousin Teri orchestrated a kidnapping of my sister and me.” She explained that the cousins would visit for a few days at their Tucson home, setting the stage for the yearly adventure that always left a lasting memory.

“On the morning they were to leave, Teri would wake us up early, shushing us in the predawn darkness as we made our escape. We would all pile into her rickety station wagon and head north,” she recalled, painting a vivid picture of the unusual game she played as a child.

Savannah shares playful childhood ‘kidnapping’ calls

Savannah shared how Teri would let her and sister Annie Guthrie call home “somewhere between Phoenix and Tucson” and pretend they were kidnapped by their cousin. “‘Mom, cousin Teri kidnapped us to take us to her house,'” Savannah recounted, showing how seriously they played along with the game.

“My mother would feign shock, protest how terribly she would miss us and assure us she would drive up to retrieve us in a few days,” Savannah added. The exchange highlighted the lighthearted, imaginative nature of the game despite the dramatic setup.

Social media pushes back on Kelly’s focus

Social media users criticized Kelly for resurfacing the lighthearted childhood memory during a family tragedy, with many calling the game harmless and consensual between adults. Comments emphasized that the prank was a surprise trip known to Nancy, suggesting the term “kidnapping” was outdated but innocent in context.

Viewers urged Kelly to stop amplifying the excerpt while the family is in distress. The backlash highlights growing concern over timing and sensitivity when discussing personal stories amid ongoing investigations.

Kidnapping shocks Tucson community

Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson-area home overnight between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, and investigators believe she was taken against her will in the early hours of Feb. 1.

Surveillance video shows a masked man tampering with her doorbell or porch camera shortly before it stopped working. Blood found outside the home has been confirmed as Nancy’s, and her family, including Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has issued emotional public appeals for her safe return.

Little-known fact: Savannah Guthrie is a qualified attorney who once achieved the highest score on the Arizona Bar exam.

Suspect images released publicly

The FBI has released surveillance images and video showing a masked man wearing dark clothing and a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack as he tampers with a doorbell or porch camera outside Nancy Guthrie’s home.

Investigators later recovered a glove about two miles away that appears similar to the gloves seen in the footage and have confirmed it contains an unknown male DNA profile. That DNA does not match samples from inside Guthrie’s home or any profile in the national CODIS database.

Detectives are working with Walmart stores across Arizona, reviewing sales and surveillance footage for matching backpacks and clothing, but they have not publicly identified a specific buyer.

Family cleared by sheriff statement

Investigators have said they do not consider Nancy Guthrie’s immediate family, including her daughter Savannah and siblings Annie and Camron, to be suspects, and they describe the family as fully cooperative.

The confirmed ransom notes have been sent to media outlets rather than directly to the Guthrie family, though at least one separate impostor attempt targeted them. Despite intensive forensic work, including DNA testing and analysis of surveillance videos, authorities have not yet announced a definitive breakthrough.

Nancy Guthrie case faces new ransom claim

An anonymous tipster has emailed TMZ claiming to know who kidnapped 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, and says they saw her “south of the border” about five days earlier.

Recent coverage describes this as the fourth email from the same source. Earlier messages demanded millions in Bitcoin and later 1 Bitcoin in exchange for the kidnapper’s name, while the FBI separately offers a $100,000 reward for information.

Public appeals intensify search

Savannah Guthrie earnestly urged absolutely anyone possessing crucial information to contact authorities without hesitation. Disturbingly dropped blood evidence on the porch alongside sabotaged camera footage heightens the case urgency dramatically every single day.

Solidarity community vigils throughout Tucson steadfastly support the grieving family approaching the grim three-week disappearance milestone somberly. Widespread media coverage powerfully amplifies reward visibility effectively across the entire nation, reaching millions.

Megyn Kelly questions Savannah’s role in mother’s care

Megyn made a huge claim about who she believes was taking care of the 84-year-old. “I guarantee you, she (Annie) was doing the lion’s share of all the work with Nancy, and Savannah wasn’t,” Megyn says, sparking debate over family responsibilities.

She adds that Savannah was probably paying caregivers to help with her aging mom. However, she says it’s different when you’re the one who is there, emphasizing the hands-on effort Annie contributed compared with Savannah’s approach.

Little-known fact: Megyn was an aerobics instructor for ten years, starting at age 16.

Viewers question timing of Kelly’s remarks

Many viewers felt the timing was insensitive given the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Social media users have urged compassion toward the Guthrie family, criticizing the discussion as poorly timed and emotionally charged.

Authorities have confirmed the family members are not suspects in Nancy’s case. Multiple users also took to social media to tell Kelly to “do better,” reflecting widespread concern over the coverage.

Cops push back on claims involving Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law as a suspect, drawing a firm line between online chatter and official investigative findings.

Focusing on the Guthrie family’s hardship

Megyn Kelly’s resurfacing of Savannah’s “kidnapping game” remark drew attention, but the real story is the Guthrie family’s struggle. The ongoing investigation into Nancy’s disappearance reminds viewers that their pain is the priority, not childhood anecdotes.

Social media users and the public have called for empathy over controversy. Compassion is essential while the family navigates this difficult time.

Desperation and love echo in Savannah Guthrie’s emotional plea, as she offers to pay her mother’s ransom and begs publicly for her safe return. 

What’s your take on this resurfaced remark? Like if this caught your attention, and tell us your thoughts in the comments!

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

Read More From This Brand:

• Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Redefined Super Bowl Legacy
• Savannah Guthrie says goodbye to Today for now as she addresses her health
• Reba McEntire sets the record straight with Savannah Guthrie on the Today Show