Controversy After Charlie Kirk's Death: Pastor Condemns Candace Owens' Conspiracy Theories
The recent tragic death of Charlie Kirk has sparked a wave of emotions and, unfortunately, a swirl of controversy. In a recent development, Rob McCoy, a pastor and a close associate of Kirk, has publicly criticized Candace Owens for spreading conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk's death. This situation highlights the sensitivity and tension surrounding the event and raises questions about responsible commentary in times of grief.
Pastor Speaks Out Against Conspiracy Theories
Rob McCoy, who previously headed the faith division of Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA, issued a statement expressing his disappointment with Owens' actions. According to McCoy, Kirk always treated Owens with respect, even when they disagreed. McCoy stated that Kirk "was a friend to Candace and never publicly spoke poorly of her though he disagreed with her." He went on to say, "He never operated nor entertained gossip or innuendo concerning Candace."
McCoy's statement contrasts Kirk’s actions with Owens' behavior following Kirk's passing. He expressed his wish that Owens would extend the same respect to Kirk and his family during this difficult time, emphasizing that Kirk would never have treated Owens or her family in such a manner if faced with a similar tragedy.
Charlie Kirk’s pastor Rob McCoy asked a few of us to pass along his statement about the Candace Owens mess:
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) September 16, 2025
“Charlie Kirk was my friend and I was his pastor. I want to simply say this regarding Candace Owens:
Charlie Kirk was a friend to Candace and never publicly spoke poorly…
Candace Owens' Claims and Reactions
In the wake of Kirk's death, attributed by Utah prosecutors to a politically motivated attack, conspiracy theories regarding Israel's potential involvement began to circulate. Candace Owens, who served as Turning Point's communications director between 2017 and 2019, reportedly amplified these rumors, suggesting that Kirk may have been targeted due to his views on Israel. This claim further fueled the already sensitive situation.
Owens posted on X shortly after the suspect, Tyler Robinson, was named, urging caution and suspicion towards those discouraging questions about the "Charlie Kirk assassination." More recently, on her podcast, Owens alleged that Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager and vocal supporter of Israel, had threatened Kirk during a meeting in the Hamptons. She also claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu had invited Kirk to Israel to sway him away from his "rational thoughts about Israel."
Counter-Narratives and Denials
Both Bill Ackman and Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, have vehemently denied Owens' allegations. Ackman described the Hamptons meeting, stating that he never threatened Kirk or anyone associated with him. Kolvet added that Turning Point staff members present at the meeting confirmed that Bill never yelled at Charlie or pressured him about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kolvet stated, "Charlie personally told me he had a very cordial relationship with Bill and the event was productive."
This afternoon @RealCandaceO slandered me by accusing me of 'staging an intervention' with Charlie Kirk in which 'threats were made' with respect to his supposed 'evolving stance' on Israel at an event I hosted in the Hamptons. Candace also intimated that I 'blackmail[ed]'… https://t.co/mL6pajoX76
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) September 16, 2025
I have been asked about the Bill Ackman event more than a few times now so I asked our staff who were traveling with Charlie to find out what’s true and what’s not. His team was with him “100% of the time when he wasn’t in his hotel room.”
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKsway) September 16, 2025
Here’s what they told me:
“Bill never…
Background and Further Accusations
Owens has a history of controversial statements, including accusations of antisemitism. She also targeted other public figures, including David Friedman, Laura Loomer, and Seth Dillon, over social media. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), over 10,000 posts on X included the phrase "Israel killed Charlie Kirk" in the days following Kirk's death. Unsubstantiated claims about Kirk fearing retaliation from Israel were widely spread, even as Netanyahu mourned Kirk and called him a "lion-hearted friend of Israel."
Kirk, an evangelical Christian and vocal supporter of Israel, expressed his views on the conflict and defended the Israeli war effort during a debate at the Cambridge Union. He emphasized that "the only operation and entity to blame is the leadership of Hamas." He expressed a chilling sentiment related to what he felt was a lack of moral clarity about the topic.
I just debated at Cambridge and Oxford. At Cambridge, instead of focusing on their own decaying country, they are obsessed with Israel. The lack of moral clarity on this topic is chilling. I decided to put this bouncy Brit in his place.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) May 21, 2025
Watch: pic.twitter.com/RRnLiXJE2X
Legal Implications and Defamation Lawsuit
Candace Owens is currently facing a defamation lawsuit filed by French First Lady Brigitte Macron for spreading baseless rumors. Bill Ackman, while stating that Owens "slandered" him, has not yet announced any legal action. This remains a developing story.
In conclusion, the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's tragic death has been marked by both grief and controversy, particularly regarding the spread of conspiracy theories. It highlights the importance of responsible discourse and factual accuracy, especially during times of mourning. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The situation underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the potential harm caused by spreading misinformation.
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