A viral claim is spreading online that Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA paid right-wing influencers to smear Candace Owens. The allegations come just as Owens prepares to release a new series targeting Charlie Kirk’s widow. But is there any truth to it?
The short answer is no. Multiple fact-checks have found no evidence to support these claims. The supposed “leaked email” that started it all has been debunked as fake.
What is the viral claim about?
Several accounts on X are pushing the same story. They say there was a coordinated smear campaign against Owens. And they claim Erika Kirk and TPUSA were behind it.
One account wrote: “This morning I said there was a coordinated attack against Candace Owens over her Erika Kirk investigation. Now a leaked TPUSA email confirms it, laying out the smear campaign and even scripting the talking points. They were told to call her ‘evil’ and ‘demonic.'”
Another user shared what they said was a list of influencers who were paid to go after Owens. The list included big names like Ben Shapiro and catturd2.
The timing matters here. Owens just teased a new series called “Bride of Charlie.” It is supposed to focus on Erika Kirk. The trailer dropped earlier this week. The first episode comes out Wednesday
Who Is Behind the Bride of Charlie Series?
Candace Owens announced her series titled Bride of Charlie. It targets Erika Kirk, widow of late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk. Kirk died in an assassination on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. Owens has questioned Kirk’s alibi before.
Kirk took over as TPUSA CEO after her husband’s death. Unverified social media accounts raised past relationship claims. Owens’ fans now point to retaliation.
What Does Grok Say About the Email?
Grok called the email fake. “No, this email isn’t real—it’s fabricated troll bait…TPUSA has issued zero statements,” it stated. The Owens-Kirk feud heats up, but the memo proves disinformation.
Grok urged verification before sharing. TPUSA stayed silent on the matter. No official response came from Kirk’s side.
Is There Proof Influencers Got Paid?
Grok checked the shared table. Real posts from February 24-25 criticized Owens harshly. Ben Shapiro said “RealCandaceO is evil.” Catturd2 called her a “demon from the bowels of hell.” No evidence shows payments or memos. Backlash stems from Owens’ series on Kirk and TPUSA. Milo Yiannopoulos mentioned a list, but nothing verified.
Why the Feud Between Owens and Kirk?
Kirk faces scrutiny since becoming CEO. Owens criticized her alibi tied to Charlie Kirk’s killing. Kirk supporters say Owens runs the smears. Conservatives see infighting. Owens probes without concrete proof so far.
FAQs: Candace Owens-Erika Kirk claims
Q: Is there proof that Erika Kirk paid influencers to attack Candace Owens?
A: No. The alleged email that started this claim has been fact-checked and found to be fake. There is zero evidence that anyone was paid or received talking points .
Q: Why are conservatives like Ben Shapiro criticizing Owens so harshly?
A: Many conservatives see Owens’ new series as exploiting Charlie Kirk’s murder. They think she is targeting his widow for profit and pushing conspiracy theories without evidence .
Q: What is the ‘Bride of Charlie’ series about?
A: Owens has not released full details yet. The trailer focuses on Erika Kirk and includes suggestions of a cover-up related to Charlie Kirk’s death. The first episode came out Wednesday .
Q: Has Charlie Kirk’s murder been solved?
A: Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The FBI says evidence shows he acted alone. Owens and others have questioned this, but no evidence of a broader conspiracy has been presented .
Q: Did Owens and Erika Kirk ever try to make peace?
A: Yes. They had a 4.5-hour meeting in December 2025. Both called it “productive” afterward. But the feud has clearly continued since then .
Disclaimer: This fact-check is based on reporting from February 2026. Sources include facts from X posts, Grok checks, and public statements only.
