On the most recent episode of ABC's American Idol, teenager Claudia Conway, daughter of former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway, appeared on the show to audition.
After her performance, many fans were shocked to see a surprise virtual appearance by Kellyanne Conway, playing the part of a supportive mother giving her daughter sage advice and encouragement.
The show shared the Conway cameo on Twitter.
Claudia gets a surprise from her mother, @KellyannePolls! "Remember, honey. Winners are people who are willing to… https://t.co/TxIszl8dZ7— American Idol (@American Idol) 1613367480.0
"You probably know me as 15-year-old emancipation girl. Or that blonde woman from FOX News' daughter. I'm a little… https://t.co/2I4tJc04NJ— American Idol (@American Idol) 1613367120.0
"Hi!" "Are you okay?" "No, but yes." "Yes and no? "Yeah." RELATABLE. @claudiamconwayy | #AmericanIdol https://t.co/THalLR1Hdb— American Idol (@American Idol) 1613367120.0
The pre-taped segment was reportedly filmed in November.
Many are shocked ABC allowed it to air, considering the multiple public controversies the Conways experienced in recent months.
Good work by American Idol in their efforts to rehab the reputation of horrible human @KellyannePolls https://t.co/Bkauu4zWON— Soledad O'Brien (@Soledad O'Brien) 1613397890.0
@AmericanIdol @claudiamconwayy She’s a kid, in distress. And what tf is this.— Bad Manners (@Bad Manners) 1613371204.0
@AmericanIdol @claudiamconwayy This is gross— Mike B (@Mike B) 1613394284.0
In August 2020, Claudia Conway announced she would be seeking emancipation from her parents, citing "years of childhood trauma and abuse."
Just last month, law enforcement reportedly performed a wellness check on Claudia after she "secretly recorded and posted a video showing her mom screaming and swearing at her."
American Idol showing Kellyanne Conway on prime time tv like we didnt all just watch tiktoks of her abusing her dau… https://t.co/N9WCuEuMLo— The Scarlet Bitch (@The Scarlet Bitch) 1613401759.0
If Kellyanne Conway were black her children would be in foster care, she would be in jail, and it would be all over… https://t.co/oDdMhtIXpi— loud dame (@loud dame) 1613400583.0
More recently still, Kellyanne Conway allegedly posted topless pictures of her teenage daughter on Twitter without her consent.
Claudia would later confirm the photos were real and comment:
"I'm assuming my mom took a picture of it to use against me one day and then somebody hacked her or something. I'm literally at a loss for words. If you see it, report it."
"...nobody would ever have any photo like that, ever. So, Kellyanne, you're going to f'king jail."
Kellyanne Conway posted a nude picture of her underage daughter and was featured on American Idol a month later https://t.co/kZLWnHlbAF— wrap god (@wrap god) 1613402066.0
Now that they’ve helped rehab mendacious behemoths like Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer it’s only a matter of time… https://t.co/il1X1BGGNu— Matt Negrin, HOST OF HARDBALL AT 7PM ON MSNBC (@Matt Negrin, HOST OF HARDBALL AT 7PM ON MSNBC) 1613398775.0
@AmericanIdol @claudiamconwayy Kellyanne Conway not only was a Senior advisor when they ran a kidnapping apparatus… https://t.co/0lIteA4wBu— Erick Fernandez (@Erick Fernandez) 1613398157.0
Many were incredibly disappointed with ABC for helping to normalize a woman who was not only one of former President Trump's most infamous liars but is also clearly involved in some sort of unhealthy family dynamic.
@AmericanIdol @KellyannePolls @claudiamconwayy American Idol is the most exploitive program on television.— The Hoarse Whisperer (@The Hoarse Whisperer) 1613395625.0
@AmericanIdol @KellyannePolls @claudiamconwayy Her audition was taped in November and Katy Perry offered Claudia VE… https://t.co/yD8kq7ETnf— Social✽Fly (@Social✽Fly) 1613380712.0
Claudia Conway has accused her mother of both physical and emotional abuse countless times over the past year.
But American Idol is trying to portray the political pundit as a nurturing supportive mom.
@AmericanIdol @KellyannePolls @claudiamconwayy Ummm didn’t @claudiamconwayy say @KellyannePolls was physically and emotionally abusive?— joey cee (@joey cee) 1613374982.0
Many feel Kellyanne "alternative facts" Conway should not be welcome on television in any form, certainly not set up as a sympathetic figure for viewers to admire.