Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was left unsettled after Jezebel published a story about hiring witches on Etsy to curse her husband, according to comments made by Megyn Kelly.
Speaking on her podcast, Kelly said the couple took the article seriously and contacted a priest the night before Kirk’s assassination. “Erika and Charlie Kirk heard about these curses, and that news genuinely rattled Erika in particular,” she said. “She knew Christian teaching on this subject, she loved Charlie absolutely, and she was scared when she heard of the curses Jezebel had called up.”
The article, titled “We Paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk,” was published two days before the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. Jezebel later deleted the piece and replaced it with an editor’s note describing it as satire. “The piece was intended as satire and made it absolutely clear that we wished no physical harm. We stand by every word. But in light of Wednesday’s events, and on the recommendation of our lawyers, we have removed the text,” the statement read.
Kelly criticised the outlet, saying the stunt was irresponsible and cruel towards a Christian family. “Why torture a family like this? A Christian, believing family? Why do this vile thing to a young couple?” she asked.
Jezebel’s editor-in-chief Lauren Tousignant responded that the feature was “clearly written as a humorous exploration of ‘hexes’ being sold on Etsy,” while also calling the shooting “a tragedy and an assault on free speech.”
Since her husband’s death, Erika Kirk has taken over leadership of Turning Point USA and publicly vowed to continue his work. At a recent memorial, she forgave his killer and pledged to carry forward his mission.
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