During a memorial service in Arizona for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his widow Erika Kirk became the subject of a social media controversy. On Sunday, alongside former President Donald Trump, Erika Kirk made a hand gesture that is widely recognized in American Sign Language (ASL) as "I love you." However, this gesture was misinterpreted by some online users as the "devil horns," sparking false allegations of satanic symbolism.
Erika Kirk, 36, a devout Christian and former Miss Arizona, had just delivered a heartfelt eulogy to her late husband when she raised her arm, extending her index finger, pinky finger, and thumb. This misunderstanding rapidly spread across social media platforms, with numerous viral posts alleging her gesture was indicative of "devil horns," despite the sign’s well-known meaning in ASL.
Supporters of Erika Kirk were quick to debunk these claims. As noted by The Daily Mail, defenders on social media highlighted the true meaning behind her gesture. One user expressed frustration, stating, "PSA: Erika Kirk’s hand sign at the end was sign language for 'I love you.' Not a satanic hand sign. Dear lord… please give me strength on this app." Another implored for understanding, commenting, "It’s sign language for 'love you.' Ignorance is exactly why people commit violence. LEARN THINGS! Don’t spew evil where none exists."
Despite these clarifications, accusations continued to circulate. Some social media users questioned Erika's intentions, drawing attention to her proximity to Trump during the gesture. Critics speculated about the timing and visibility of the act, questioning her knowledge of the symbol's other associations.
The confusion likely stems from the similarity between the "devil horns" gesture, synonymous with rock culture, and the ASL "I love you" sign. The former involves raising only the index and pinky fingers, while the latter also extends the thumb, as Erika Kirk did.
Erika's gesture followed her poignant remarks about her husband's legacy and her public act of forgiveness toward Tyler Robinson, the man accused of Charlie Kirk's fatal shooting. "The 31-year-old MAGA influencer wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life," she said. Directly addressing Robinson, Erika pronounced her forgiveness, echoing Christian values of responding to hate with love, not more hate.
The memorial service also became notable as President Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk were seen conversing, signaling a thaw in their previously strained relations. The two were photographed engaging in conversation before Trump gave Musk a friendly pat on the back, with Musk departing shortly after.
In the end, Erika Kirk's simple gesture of love became a flashpoint for misunderstanding and unfounded conspiracy theories, reflecting the polarized climate of contemporary social media discourse.
