Credit: Alamy & The Charlie Kirk Show
Erika Kirk Under Fire As Charlie’s Friend Leaks Audio Of Her ‘Giggling’ After Husband’s Death
Erika Kirk is facing backlash after audio of her bragging about merch following the death of her husband, Charlie, has gone viral.
The leaked audiohas sent shockwaves through the conservative movement and reignited debates about Erika’s handling of her husband’s death and her new role at Turning Point USA.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking to approximately 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with the shooting.
The ongoing feud
Conservative podcaster Candace Owens leaked alleged audio of the widow discussing merchandise sales and event metrics less than two weeks after her husband Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The relationship between Owens and Erika Kirk has been strained since Charlie’s death. Owens has promoted numerous conspiracy theories about the assassination, suggesting involvement by foreign governments and questioning whether Robinson acted alone, per CNN.
The two women met on December 15 in what Erika described as ‘a very productive conversation,’ per Buzzfeed.
However, Owens revealed in a subsequent podcast episode that the meeting did not change her views, and she still does not believe Robinson is solely responsible for Kirk’s death.
Erika had previously addressed Owens directly during a CBS News town hall on December 13, when asked what she would say to the podcaster.
“Stop. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Stop,” Kirk responded firmly, US Weekly reports.
The controversial audio
In the nearly two-minute clip, which Owens claims was recorded during a Turning Point USA conference call just 12 days after Charlie Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025, Erika can allegedly be heard celebrating the success of her husband’s memorial service in business terms.
“I don’t even know where to begin. The fact that we were able to pull off an event of a century, like, it’s just insane. We had over 275,000 people that attended and stadium overflow, west gate. Insane, you guys,” Erika allegedly said in the clip.
The tone shifts from memorial tribute to business metrics as she continues: “And then you have, was it 100 million? We had thousands that were registered to vote. I think we’re at like over 200,000 for merch sales.”
Owens’ reaction
Owens, 36, didn’t hold back in her criticism of what she described as Erika’s ‘upbeat’ demeanor during the alleged conference call.
“It is the general tone that is off putting. It’s the laughter that is off putting,” Owens stated. “Again, we are not even two weeks after watching your husband be assassinated. We’re talking about numbers and metrics that have been hit.”
The conservative commentator added: “That’s moving pretty quickly to the acceptance phase now. We know everybody grieves differently. In my imagination, I just thought she would be more upset.”
The alleged conference call details
In the leaked audio, Erika reportedly praised the Turning Point USA team for their work on the memorial event, noting that staff had worked 20-hour days with sleepless nights ‘during the time of us grieving the loss of my husband.’
Later in the call, she allegedly continued with more metrics: “Since his assassination, we have 100,000 chapter requests. We have 300,000 new donors. That is a blessing in itself. Again, not normal. All God. I think we have 50,000-plus hat orders to fulfill.”
She also allegedly said: “Charlie in heaven is like, ‘You guys thought you had a busy schedule then, just you wait,’ and he’s doing some awesome things with Jesus in heaven right now.”
A spokesperson for Owens confirmed the authenticity of the clip, stating: “Like all reporters, Candace cannot reveal her sources. The video is real and authenticated.” Us Weekly reached out to Kirk and Turning Point USA for comment.
Public response
The leaked audio has generated significant reaction across social media platforms.
Some have defended Erika’s right to grieve in her own way and continue her husband’s work, while others have questioned the appropriateness of discussing sales figures so soon after his death.
This isn’t the first time Erika has faced criticism for her demeanor since becoming a widow.
She’s been called out for appearing ‘too happy’ in public appearances and for what some perceive as an overly enthusiastic approach to her new role as CEO of Turning Point USA.
Erika has previously defended herself against such criticism, stating that ‘there is no linear blueprint for grief’ and describing the unpredictable nature of mourning.
“One day you’re collapsed on the floor crying out the name Jesus in between labored breaths. The next you’re playing with your children in the living room, surrounded by family photos, and feeling a rush of something you can only attempt to define as divinely planted and bittersweet joy as a smile breaks through on your face,” she explained.
As the legal case against Tyler Robinson moves forward, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 18, per Fox, the controversy surrounding Erika Kirk’s public persona continues to divide opinion within the conservative movement and beyond.
Related Article: Erika Kirk Reveals Why She’s Been Smiling So Much Since Husband Charlie’s Death
Related Article: Viewers Horrified By Donald Trump’s ‘Disturbing’ Act During Hug With Erika Kirk At Her Husband’s Memorial
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