Jezebel Writer Puts 'Etsy Curse' on Charlie Kirk Before Assassination
Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the 2025 Young Women's Leadership Summit at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 4.0.
In the charged atmosphere of American political culture, few stories have combined the eerie with the tragic quite like the final days of Kirk. The conservative firebrand and founder of Turning Point USA was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University, a shocking event that sent ripples through the nation. But behind the headlines and political fervor, a haunting detail emerges. In the days before his death, feminist news website Jezebel reportedly ran an article about paying "Etsy witches" to curse Kirk. This satirical piece rattled his wife, Erika Kirk, so deeply that the couple reportedly called a priest to pray over him the night before the fatal shooting, according to Megyn Kelly's podcast.
The Curse That Shook a Family
The Jezebel article, published just two days before Kirk's assassination, was a provocative satire that detailed the author's attempt to purchase curses aimed at Kirk through the online marketplace Etsy. According to The Daily Beast, the piece, originally credited to Claire Guinan, described a series of hexes ranging from the humorous — causing Kirk to wake up with an inexplicable zit — to more pointed feminist jabs. The author reportedly framed the curses as a playful retaliation against Kirk's conservative rhetoric and his outspoken criticism of feminist movements.
Though the article was intended as satire, it struck a nerve. Erika Kirk, a devout Christian and the wife of the 31-year-old conservative leader, was deeply disturbed by the story. According to The Daily Beast, Megyn Kelly revealed that Erika and Charlie, both evangelical Christians, were so rattled by the notion of curses that they called a priest to their home to pray over Charlie the night before he was shot.
When Satire Meets Tragedy
Jezebel's article was swiftly removed following the assassination, and the publication added an editor's note condemning the shooting and clarifying that the piece was not meant to encourage violence, as reported by Mediaite. The note emphasized Jezebel's commitment to free speech while expressing sympathy for the Kirk family.
This incident highlights the complex intersection of satire, social media, and faith in today's hyper-charged political environment. What began as a provocative, humorous critique spiraled into a real-life tragedy that left a grieving widow and a nation grappling with the consequences of words and actions in the digital age.
Erika Kirk's New Role Amid Grief
In the wake of her husband's death, Erika Kirk has stepped into the spotlight, taking the helm of Turning Point USA as its new CEO. The organization's board unanimously elected her to lead, honoring Charlie's wishes and legacy. Erika's public appearances since the shooting have been marked by emotional tributes and a fierce commitment to continue her late husband's mission.
Her faith and resilience have become central to her public persona. Erika's response to the Jezebel article and the subsequent tragedy underscores the profound role that spirituality and belief play in the lives of public figures navigating personal and political storms.
The Power and Peril of Digital Provocation
The Jezebel story's fallout raises important questions about the power of digital media to influence real-world events. Satire, while a vital tool for social commentary, can sometimes blur the lines between humor and harm, especially when amplified by social media platforms. The article's removal and editor's note reflect a rare moment of reckoning for a publication known for its edgy content.
For the Kirks, the experience was deeply personal. The invocation of curses, even in jest, collided with their religious convictions. The decision to call a priest to pray over Charlie Kirk was a poignant act of faith and protection in the face of an unpredictable and hostile world.
A Nation Reflects on Words and Consequences
Charlie Kirk's assassination and the surrounding controversy serve as a stark reminder of the volatile mix of politics, media, and belief in modern America. As Erika Kirk carries forward her husband's legacy, the story of that final night — the prayers, the curses, and the tragedy — will linger as a powerful narrative about the costs of public life.
In a world where satire can spark outrage and social media can magnify every word, the Kirks' story invites us to consider the weight of our words and the unseen battles fought behind the scenes of fame and influence.
The night before Charlie Kirk's death was not just a moment of personal crisis for a family, but a symbol of the broader cultural conflicts defining our times. It is a story of love, faith, and the haunting shadows cast by the digital age's relentless spotlight.
References: Erika Kirk Was 'Rattled' When Jezebel Put 'Etsy Curse' on Charlie | Jezebel Adds Editor's Note to Article Cursing Charlie Kirk | Erika Kirk Named New CEO of Turning Point USA Following Charlie Kirk Death
