Conservative podcaster Candace Owens has announced an upcoming investigative series focusing on Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. The series, titled “Bride of Charlie,” is set to premiere on February 25th, and a trailer released Monday on X has already sparked significant backlash and debate within conservative circles. The announcement comes amidst ongoing scrutiny and conspiracy theories surrounding the circumstances of Charlie Kirk’s death last September.
The trailer for “Bride of Charlie” features news coverage of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and subsequent reporting on Erika Kirk’s assumption of the CEO role at Turning Point USA. It also includes references to “Zionists” and Israel, fueling concerns about the direction of Owens’ investigation. Owens has previously questioned the official narrative surrounding her friend’s death, suggesting the involvement of government entities and even speculating about a connection to pro-Israel groups – claims that have been denied by Israeli officials, according to Newsweek.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson has been charged with his murder, but Owens has publicly expressed doubt about Robinson being the sole perpetrator, suggesting he may have been involved but not acting alone. She has alleged Kirk was betrayed by individuals within his inner circle, and that a larger conspiracy may be at play.
The release of the trailer has drawn sharp criticism from prominent conservative figures. Ben Shapiro, founder of The Daily Wire, labeled Owens’ actions as “evil” in a ten-minute video posted on X, calling on Erika Kirk to pursue legal action. “She is making money off the murder of Charlie Kirk by literally implicating his widow and everyone else at [Turning Point USA] in that murder, and then trying to dig up pseudo-dirt on the wife of the person who was murdered,” Shapiro stated, as reported by The New York Post. Media pundit Meghan McCain also condemned Owens’ project as “pure, unadulterated, f–king evil” on X.
This isn’t the first instance of public tension between Owens and Erika Kirk. The two met privately in December 2025 in an attempt to address the growing rift, with both women describing the conversation as “productive” in social media posts. Yet, the meeting did not resolve the underlying disagreements, as Owens continued to pursue her own investigation into Charlie Kirk’s death, as detailed by CNN.
A History of Disagreement
Owens’ questioning of the official investigation began shortly after Charlie Kirk’s death, with her podcast episodes titled “Charlie Kirk Suspect Charged. Something Isn’t Right…”, “Who Ordered the Hit on Charlie Kirk?” and “They Are Lying About Charlie Kirk,” according to Newsweek. These episodes fueled speculation and distrust within the conservative movement, creating a divide between those who support Erika Kirk and those who align with Owens’ narrative.
The controversy surrounding Owens’ investigation extends beyond the immediate circle of those connected to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA. The accusations and insinuations have sparked a broader debate about the spread of misinformation and the potential for exploiting tragedy for personal gain.
A spokesperson for Candace Owens stated, “The series will speak for itself, and you can watch the premiere episode [Wednesday],” when asked about the backlash to the trailer, as reported by The New York Post.
What’s Next for the Investigation
The premiere of “Bride of Charlie” on February 25th is expected to further intensify the scrutiny surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death and the role of those connected to him. The series’ impact on the conservative movement and the future of Turning Point USA remains to be seen. The focus will be on the evidence Owens presents and how it is received by the public and law enforcement.
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