Erika Kirk slammed for 'distasteful' joke as she makes Candace Owens dig
Charlie Kirk's widow Erika has come under fire for 'distastefully' calling out a conspiracy theory put forward by Candace Owens around her husband's shock assassination.
The mother-of-two delivered a speech on Thursday evening (18 Dec) to mark the launch of Turning Point USA's AmericaFest - the firm she took over in September after her other-half was fatally shot.
Right-wing activist Kirk, 31, sustained a single gunshot wound to the neck whilst hosting a Republican rally a Utah Valley University back in September, with political ally Donald Trump later confirming his death.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was later arrested and charged with firing the fatal bullet at Kirk from the roof of a nearby building.
Advert
In the weeks since, 37-year-old Erika - with whom Kirk shared a daughter, three, and a one-year-old son - stepped up to become CEO of his college campus touring campaign group, Turning Point USA.
During her on-stage appearance last night, the former Miss Arizona suffered a severe technical blow during her initial minutes, with her iPad having accidentally 'wiped' her speech.
After throwing around a series of anecdotes, Erika began discussing the 'achievements' her firm have made in recent months, as well as data surrounding those attending/tuning in to AmericaFest.
"All 50 States represented," Erika beamed, before continuing: "We have 25 countries represented, plus Puerto Rico."
Holding up the slip of paper in hand minutes later, however, the widow went on to attempt a highly divisive joke: "But I have the list here - don't worry, guys, Egypt is not on the list. Don't worry about that."
The comment was made in reference to accusations made by right-wing podcaster - and Kirk's former friend - Candace Owens, who has led a number of conspiracies against Erika and Turning Point USA bosses.
One of these claimed that an Egyptian plane was tracking Erika in the days prior to Kirk's assassination. Owens has also pushed claims, without evidence, that the government is withholding information on the killing.
Following a brief pause, Erika went on to note whilst holding the device in the air during last night's speech: "Oh, how funny, I say 'Egypt' and my iPad turns on. That's fun - where were we?"
Despite some fans praising her for getting her own back on Candace, others took aim at the ill-timing of Erika's remark.
"Her husband was murdered and she is joking about something that has to do with her own safety," one disgruntled viewer pointed out.
Another asked: "Do you think Charlie’s parents are laughing at these jokes?"
"That was so extremely distasteful, it’s hard to fake grief, or cleverness, or intelligence," another hit out.
A fourth claimed: "If I were Erica I’d be concerned very concerned about planes tracking myself and my husband. She is making jokes?"
Topics: Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk, US News, Politics
Rhianna Benson