Candace Owens has released a recording of a private video call involving Erika Kirk, held shortly after the killing of her husband, Charlie Kirk. The leaked call quickly drew public attention and criticism.
In the recording, Erika Kirk speaks to staff at Turning Point USA, thanking them for their efforts following the memorial service. She highlights strong public response, including increased donations and merchandise activity, and encourages employees to stay focused while also allowing themselves time to grieve if needed.
Owens criticized Kirk’s tone, saying it felt uncomfortable given how soon the call took place after the tragedy. She objected to what she described as optimism, laughter, and discussion of performance numbers, arguing this could pressure employees to suppress their own grief.
Owens has repeatedly accused Kirk of using her husband’s legacy for personal or organizational gain. Kirk has not directly responded to the latest claims but has previously rejected conspiracy theories and defended her leadership decisions.
The episode has sparked wider debate about how leaders should communicate after personal loss, with supporters divided over whether the call reflected resilience or poor judgment during an intensely emotional period.