In a move that has stirred significant controversy within conservative circles, Candace Owens, the 36-year-old conservative commentator, released a teaser trailer on Monday for a new series titled "Bride of Charlie." The series targets Erika Kirk, the widow of the late conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, whose assassination last year shocked the nation.
The trailer, which was shared on social media platforms, opens with the grim news coverage of Charlie Kirk’s assassination before transitioning to footage of Erika Kirk in the aftermath of her husband’s tragic death. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, at the age of 31.
Following her husband's murder, Erika Kirk stepped into the role of CEO at Turning Point USA, assuming leadership of the organization. The contentious trailer features critical clips of Erika Kirk and includes references to "Zionists" and Israel, concluding with an image of Erika Kirk adorned with a crown.
The release of the trailer has drawn widespread condemnation, with prominent conservative voices expressing their dismay. Meghan McCain, a media pundit and daughter of the late Senator John McCain, took to social media to voice her outrage, calling the act "pure, unadulterated, fucking evil." McCain expressed her deep sorrow for Erika Kirk and her family, questioning the morality of subjecting a grieving widow to such public scrutiny.
Similarly, Ben Shapiro, founder of The Daily Wire, labeled Owens as "evil" in a video posted in response to the trailer's release. Seth Dillon of the Babylon Bee also commented on the situation, pondering what Charlie Kirk would think of the actions of those he once considered friends.
The backlash prompted a statement from Owens' spokesperson, who initially offered no comment, suggesting that the series would speak for itself upon its premiere. However, a subsequent statement took a dismissive tone, claiming there was no backlash outside of the "Zionist bubble" and that the public was eager to see the series.
Owens has been making repeated and escalating claims about Erika Kirk since Charlie Kirk's death, claims that have been extensively covered by Resist the Mainstream. Despite a reported meeting between the two women in December in an attempt to resolve their ongoing dispute, the conflict has persisted.
The controversy arises as the criminal case against Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, 22, progresses in Utah courts. Robinson faces the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder for the September 10 shooting.
Despite the backlash, the premiere episode of Owens' "Bride of Charlie" series is set to air on Wednesday, with many awaiting to see the content that has already sparked such a strong reaction from various quarters.
