The father of slain teenager Austin Metcalf has strongly condemned what he called the “moral decay of society,” accusing commentators of spreading falsehoods and trying to profit from his son’s death — as convicted killer Karmelo Anthony prepares a new legal challenge to his 35-year prison sentence.

Jeff Metcalf spoke out after “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin suggested that Anthony may have grounds for appeal, claiming he did not have a jury of his peers and questioning why the self-defense argument was rejected during the trial.

Speaking to Fox News host Will Cain, a visibly emotional Jeff Metcalf pushed back against public figures weighing in on the case without knowing the full facts.

“People had their own opinions without even seeing the facts, and that’s the part I have trouble with,” Metcalf said. “Unfortunately, in today’s moral decay of society that we’ve witnessed, people believe that if they have their own voice, they scream loud enough, they’re right.”

He specifically criticized Hostin for commenting on the case, saying she had “no idea about the facts” yet chose to “spew her public opinion on a platform that reaches millions of people every day.”

Metcalf also accused some commentators of trying to capitalize on the tragedy.

“They’re looking for their 15 minutes of fame, or their clickbait or their clicks,” he said. “They’re just looking to monetize the death of my son.”

Karmelo Anthony, now 19, was convicted of murder earlier this month for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a Frisco Independent School District track meet in April 2025. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Bodycam footage released after the trial shows Anthony telling officers shortly after the stabbing: “I’m not alleged. I did it. He put his hands on me. I told him not to. He put his hands on me.”

Despite Anthony’s claim of self-defense, the jury rejected the argument and found him guilty of murder.

Now, a new legal team under the “Stand with Karmelo Coalition” has taken on Anthony’s case on a pro bono basis. Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer Russell Wilson II is leading the effort. The group announced it will review the trial record and pursue all available grounds for appeal.

“Our responsibility is to determine whether a legal error occurred and to ensure every issue supported by the record is fully and vigorously presented on appeal,” the coalition said in a statement.

Sunny Hostin, a former federal prosecutor, argued on “The View” that Anthony may not have received a fair jury selection process and raised concerns about self-defense, citing the size difference between Anthony and Austin Metcalf, as well as the presence of Metcalf’s twin brother at the scene.

Jeff Metcalf made it clear he has little patience for such public commentary, insisting that people should refrain from speaking on the case if they are not familiar with the evidence presented at trial.

As Anthony’s new legal team prepares his appeal, the Metcalf family continues to grieve the loss of their son while pushing back against what they see as attempts to distort the facts of the case for public attention.