Jezebel Curse Article Preceded Charlie Kirk’s Death, Prompting Media-Ethics Discussion

An online feature alleging that Etsy witches were paid to curse Charlie Kirk drew renewed attention in early September, after the conservative commentator was killed two days later at Utah Valley University. The Jezebel post, published Sept. 8, described purported spells and services and framed Kirk as a political target whose influence on college-aged voters had drawn online attention and mockery alike. The article’s tone and timing prompted questions about the relationship between entertainment reporting and real-world consequences in the political sphere.

According to Megyn Kelly, Erika Kirk was "genuinely rattled" by the Jezebel story, which she said claimed the author paid witches to cast a curse on her husband. Kelly said the Kirks were so unsettled by the report that they summoned a Catholic priest to come to their home and pray over Charlie the night before his death. Kelly described Erika as distressed by the narrative and asked why anyone would target a Christian, family-centered household with such allegations.

Following Kirk’s fatal shooting, Jezebel issued a statement clarifying the timing of the post and announcing its removal. The outlet said the piece was published on Sept. 8 and emphasized that it does not endorse, encourage, or excuse political violence of any kind. The article reportedly described the author’s reflections on witchcraft services available on Etsy, including how a curse might be purchased and the author’s reflection on moral gray areas surrounding cursing someone they had never met. The author acknowledged a personal hesitation about calling on dark forces and suggested the piece was more about commentary on online culture than a call to action.

The Kirks, described in some outlets as a prominent conservative couple and allies of former President Donald Trump, had been the subject of discussion in media circles for weeks prior to the shooting, which occurred at a university campus in Utah. Kirk rose to prominence as a founder of Turning Point USA and as a frequent contributor on conservative media platforms. In the wake of the tragedy, Jezebel reiterated its stance against violence and noted it would cooperate with inquiries or context that help readers understand the episode's timeline and its broader cultural implications.

Media observers noted the episode underscores tensions between entertainment-driven commentary and real-world harm, particularly when public figures are portrayed in sensational contexts. The incident has prompted discussions about editorial responsibility, online discourse, and how stories that blend culture, politics, and the paranormal are framed and disseminated in digital media. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, publishers and commentators alike are reassessing the potential effects of provocative narratives on public perception and personal safety.