Candace Owens has been publicly criticizing Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, mainly over how Erika is handling rumors and privacy around her husband’s death. Owens has suggested that Erika is being inconsistent about wanting privacy while also engaging in media and social media, and has tied this into broader conspiracy narratives about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
Main claims Owens is making
Owens is:
- Pushing conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, implying there are unanswered questions involving TPUSA leadership and other actors, without presenting solid evidence.
- Arguing that Erika Kirk is downplaying or dismissing these theories in a way Owens portrays as suspicious or evasive.
Attacks on Erika’s behavior and role
Owens has accused Erika of:
- Having “Meghan Markle syndrome,” meaning, in Owens’s framing, wanting privacy when convenient and publicity when it benefits her, referencing Erika both asking for privacy and sharing emotional content about Charlie’s death online.
- Being an ineffective or problematic leader of Turning Point USA, questioning whether Erika is speaking as a grieving widow or as the CEO of a major political organization when addressing the controversy.
Reaction to Erika telling her to stop
In an interview, Erika Kirk addressed Owens directly and said only one word to her about the conspiracy theories: “Stop.” Owens responded angrily on her show, saying she was “in a bad mood,” demanding Erika specify what “lies” she was referring to, and signaling she would not back down without that clarification.