Erika Kirk, Candace Owens Address Tensions After Lengthy Private Meeting

Erika Kirk and conservative commentator Candace Owens met privately on Monday, marking their first in-person discussion since Kirk publicly urged Owens to stop spreading conspiracy theories related to the assassination of her late husband, Charlie Kirk.

The meeting took place just days after Kirk appeared at a CBS News town hall, where she directly addressed Owens’ commentary surrounding the case. Both women confirmed Monday evening on X that the discussion occurred and described it as constructive, though neither disclosed detailed specifics.

Owens stated that the conversation lasted four and a half hours and resulted in more agreement than she had anticipated. Kirk had announced on X the previous day that the two would meet in person and that all public discussion, livestreams, and social media commentary would be paused until after the meeting concluded. She said she was hopeful the discussion would be productive. Owens echoed that sentiment ahead of time, writing that she was very much looking forward to the conversation.

The meeting followed a CBS News town hall that aired Saturday, during which Kirk spoke with CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss. When asked what message she would send to Owens, Kirk gave a brief and pointed response.

“Stop,” Kirk said.
“That’s it.”
“That’s all I have to say.”
“Stop.”

Owens, who was previously a close friend of Charlie Kirk and a former employee of his conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, has described their relationship as akin to that of a brother and sister. The day after his assassination, Owens released a video saying she wanted Charlie Kirk to be remembered for his ideas and his work.

In the months that followed, however, Owens promoted a series of conspiracy theories regarding the murder and made allegations of financial misconduct involving Turning Point USA, which is now overseen by Erika Kirk.

The U.S. Treasury Department has since confirmed that none of the tax-exempt entities overseen by Kirk are under investigation by the IRS.

After the meeting concluded, Owens posted that the discussion had gone well and that the two women found common ground.

“Erika and I had an extremely productive 4 1/2 hour meeting that I think we both feel should have taken place a lot earlier than it did,” Owens wrote.

“We agreed much more than I had anticipated,” she added.

“Of course, we also disagreed on various points and people as well.”

“Most importantly, we were able to share intel and clarify intent.”

Owens said she plans to give a full account of the meeting at a later date, noting that the conversation had been exhaustive but meaningful.

“I am currently exhausted,” she wrote, “but I wanted to quickly let you guys know that absolutely nothing was held back and the immediate result was that tensions were thawed.”

Several hours later, Owens posted what appeared to be a proof-of-life video on social media.

Journalist Yashar Ali claimed the video was prompted by online speculation about Owens’ safety.

“Why is Candace Owens assuring her fans that she’s alive? It’s because a disturbing number of people have been concerned for her welfare and speculating that Erika Kirk, along with Israelis/Jews and various other interested parties, would try to assassinate her,” Ali said. “Instagram and TikTok have been flooded with people getting impatient and worrying about her safety.”

The episode underscores the growing volatility surrounding high-profile political discourse in the digital age, where unverified claims can escalate rapidly and fuel public panic — even within conservative circles that traditionally emphasize personal responsibility, truth, and restraint.