In a stunning case of ‘fake it ’til you make it’ gone wrong, former TV host Carlos Watson was sentenced to nearly 10 years in federal prison this week for defrauding investors in his once-buzzy independent media startup.
Last summer, Watson, the founder of Ozy Media, was found guilty of charges including conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee said the “quantum of dishonesty in this case is exceptional” and sentenced him to 116 months in prison.
Prosecutors had accused the former MSNBC host and Goldman Sachs banker of orchestrating a scheme to deceive Ozy investors and lenders by inflating revenue numbers, misrepresenting audience figures, touting nonexistent partnerships, and even impersonating YouTube executives. Watson has denied the allegations and plans to appeal, but he must surrender to prison by March 28.
The sentencing struck a chord with Megyn because of her own history with Watson. She was a guest on his Ozy Media show several times, and he appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show in its infancy (episode 103). She was in talks to appear at an Ozy-sponsored event in 2021 when a bombshell New York Times report exposed the fraud. On Thursday’s show, Megyn opened up about her experience as she laid out the bizarre details of Watson and Ozy Media’s downfall.
The Inside Story of Megyn’s History with Watson
Megyn talks about her complicated relationship with Watson – from their first meeting in 2020 to the unexpected twists and turns that followed. She breaks down the rise and fall of his media empire, how the narrative around Watson and Ozy Media shifted dramatically in the wake of legal controversies, and more.
How Watson’s Fake Digital Empire Came Crashing Down
Megyn takes a closer look at how Watson’s vision was built on a foundation of deception and exaggerated success, the pivotal moments that led to his dramatic downfall, how Ozy Media’s public relations machine created a carefully crafted image of success amid the darker truths beneath the surface, and more.
Why Watson Played Race Card Ahead of His Sentencing
Megyn shows what happened when Watson attempted to rehab his image by playing the race card, him canceling an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show just weeks ago, and more.
You can check out Megyn’s full analysis by tuning in to episode 969 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s Triumph (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.