The rift inside the conservative movement surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk deepened this week as commentator Candace Owens lashed out following Erika Kirk’s emotional address to conspiracy theorists. Owens argued that Erika Kirk “missed the mark” in her response and went so far as to question whether she is equipped to lead her late husband’s organization, Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
Owens’ comments came during her Wednesday podcast episode, shortly after Erika Kirk appeared on Fox News’ Outnumbered. In that interview, Erika confronted a wave of conspiratorial claims about Kirk’s death and insisted she wanted “one thing” to remain private for her family: her husband’s grave.
“I hate to say this…but this is why there are many people who do not believe that women are equipped to lead companies,” Owens said. “Because what you are watching here is an unbelievably emotional response that is absent of any logic.”
Newsweek has reached out to Owens’ team and to TPUSA for comment.
Conservative Divide Over Charlie Kirk’s Death Widens
Officials maintain that the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, acted alone. Owens, once a close friend of Kirk, has repeatedly questioned the investigation, alleging potential government, foreign, and even military involvement.
Erika Kirk had remained largely silent on these theories until this week, when she publicly expressed frustration with influencers profiting from speculation about her husband’s death, clearly referencing Owens, who has been the most outspoken voice not only questioning the official narrative but implying Turning Point staff involvement in the assassination. Kirk emphasized her desire for privacy regarding her late husband’s final resting place, worrying that “some secular revolutionary” might target his grave.
While Owens said she agreed “on its face” that burial information should remain private, she argued that Erika’s remarks would be interpreted as “Meghan Markle syndrome” — seeking publicity selectively.
Owens also criticized Erika’s decision to post photos and video of his casket on social media, saying that while everyone grieves differently, the choice to publish such material was voluntary.
Owens Pushes Back on Erika’s Defense of TPUSA
A major point of contention came when Erika Kirk defended TPUSA staff and The Charlie Kirk Show team, calling them her family and condemning content creators who have accused them of being complicit.
Erika said she does not have time to respond to conspiracy theories but has a breaking point when they target people close to her. “Call me names I don’t care,” she said, “but when you go after my family… and you’re making hundreds and thousands of dollars every single episode going after the people that I love… no.”
Owens called Erika’s stance “frustrating,” arguing that calling staff family was an attempt to shield her organization from criticism. She also argued that because Erika had made several recent public appearances, she “had time” to respond to her claims.
“It is not her priority to respond to the majority,” Owens said.
Owens ultimately repeated her initial criticism: “This is why there are many people who do not believe that women are equipped to lead companies.”
Public Reaction Splits Down the Middle
Owens’ episode amassed more than 1.5 million views by Thursday morning. Many commenters supported her skepticism.
One user wrote: “Erika Kirk will forgive someone one week later for murdering her husband but she won’t forgive someone for not believing the FBI narrative.”
Another noted: “If it were my husband, I would be… spending every free moment finding who took my husband from me.”
Others, however, blasted Owens for targeting a grieving widow.
Filmmaker Nathan Livingstone pointed out that Owens had previously claimed Erika Kirk was one of only two people who could persuade her to stop her self-directed “investigation,” writing: “Now that she’s ignored Erika’s plea to stop, that leaves just one person — her husband.”
Law enforcement officer Deon Joseph said he unfollowed Owens, calling her behavior indecent: “A widow can’t even simply mourn her husband.”
Reverend Jordan Wells went further, accusing Owens of cruelty: “Erika Kirk would trade EVERY title to have Charlie back… This isn’t commentary — it’s cruelty.”
What’s Next
Suspect Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 16, with a judge recently ruling that he may appear in street clothes during trial.
READ NEXT: Erika Kirk To Sit For First Fox Interview Since Assassination
Candace Owens is an unfeeling daughter of satan, creating chaos and confusion and promotor of lies. God see her and He will repay. Shame on her and her cult followers.
Candace is disgusting. Attacking Israel and now attacking a grieving widow and the organization she runs is pathetic. Hate and jealousy are destructive emotions. Never watching or listening to Owens again.