Erika Kirk reveals what JD Vance said to her during viral hug
Erika Kirk has spoken up about that hug with US Vice President JD Vance and revealed what he said to her.
For those who need a reminder, Erika, 37, is the widow of 31-year-old right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, whose shock assassination made headlines around the world.
The Turning Point USA CEO was fatally shot by a single bullet fired from suspect Tyler Robinson's gun on 10 September, during a debate event for students at Utah Valley University.
Since then, Erika has been supported by US President Donald Trump and Vance on numerous occasions, who both spoke at Kirk's funeral and a slew of other events.
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And if you cast your mind back, one moment in particular raised eyebrows, when the VP joined Erika at the University of Mississippi on 29 October for a Turning Point USA event to celebrate Erika being made CEO.
Introducing the politician to the stage, Erika told the crowd: "When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it, because obviously it's a very emotional, emotional day.
"But I could just hear Charlie in my heart. I could just hear him say, 'Go reclaim that territory, babe. Go. The battle's already won. God's love conquers.'"
She added: "No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD - in Vice President JD Vance. I do. And that's why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight."
Vance then made his way onto the stage, the two tightly embraced and Erika moved her hand to the back of the VP's head and he rested his hands briefly on her waist.
This moment caused an uproar on social media, with people analysing every detail and dubbing it 'inappropriate'.
And now, Erika has broken her silence and revealed exactly what happened during an appearance at the Megyn Kelly Live event on Saturday (22 November).
Defending herself, according to PEOPLE, she told the crowd at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix: "So for those of you who know me, I'm very."
Megyn then chimed in with: "You're an intense hugger!"
Erika continued: "My love language is touch, if you will.
"So I will give you a play-by-play: They just played the emotional video. I'm walking over, [JD] is walking over. I'm starting to cry.
"He says, 'I'm so proud of you.' And I say, 'God bless you,' and I touch the back of his head. Anyone whom I have hugged, that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, 'God bless you.'"
Megyn then responded jokingly: "They were acting like you touched the back of his a**!"
To which Erika agreed, adding: "I feel like I wouldn't get as much hate if I did that!"
It comes after the widow discussed the intense scrutiny she has faced in the limelight and called for a judge to reject a motion to curtail news cameras from the courtroom in the proceedings against her husband's accused assassin.
Erika told Fox News earlier this month: "There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered.
"There have been cameras all over my friends and family mourning. There have been cameras all over me, analysing my every move, analysing my every smile, my every tear. We deserve to have cameras in there."
She continued: "Why not be transparent? There's nothing to hide. I know there's not because I've seen what the case is built on.
"Let everyone see what true evil is. This is something that could impact generations to come."
Topics: Erika Kirk, JD Vance, Charlie Kirk, Politics, US News, Social Media, Twitter
Madison Burgess