US journalist Megyn Kelly has come under fire for failing to “do her homework” ahead of an interview with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a famously popular Twitter user.
Ahead of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, Kelly launched her new NBC news show with an exclusive interview with Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Many Indians watching the interview were bemused by the journalist’s ignorance of Modi’s prominence on Twitter.
According to reports, NBC posted a teaser on Twitter on Friday in which Modi praised a picture of Kelly posing with an umbrella. Clearly surprised by his use of the microblogging site, she asked the prime minister, “Are you on Twitter?” Modi laughed off her question.
With over 30.3 million followers, Modi is the third most followed politician on Twitter.
Many tweets criticizing Kelly for “not doing her homework” and for perpetuating the stereotype of the “clueless American” have gone viral.
Here are some of the comments:
@NBCNews @megynkelly asks @narendramodi ,the 3rd Most Followed World Leader on @Twitter ,”Are you on #Twitter ?”. She hasn’t done homework! pic.twitter.com/6KTVj3yY2G
— Swamiji (@AOLSwamiji) June 1, 2017
Sheesh. @megynkelly asks @narendramodi WHO HAS 30 MILLION FOLLOWERS if he’s on Twitter. What does it take to get India on the radar screen? https://t.co/ggw3p1YzlV
— Alyssa Ayres (@AyresAlyssa) June 2, 2017
What sort of journalist meets a head of state without checking if he on Social Media…basic homework. #megynkelly #fail
— TaaRa (@apskate) June 2, 2017
Probably she got the job because of other skills…