Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was targeted in a controversial article involving alleged witchcraft just two days before his tragic assassination on Wednesday.
A Jezebel report from Monday revealed that spells were purchased on Etsy specifically aimed at Kirk, igniting intense backlash online and raising questions about media responsibility and the potential real-world consequences of such stories.
The piece highlighted the mystical plot against Kirk, framing it as retaliation for his conservative activism.
The author asked, “Are you interested in punishing Kirk for the years of regressive rhetoric he’s shouted at America’s youth and anyone within earshot? Here at Jezebel, we’re about to find out if there’s a spell for that.”
The article also criticized Turning Point USA as “less about charity and more about funneling far-right propaganda into dorm rooms under the guise of ‘educating’ young voters.”
According to the report, two Etsy spells—“MAKE EVERYONE HATE HIM” and a “POWERFUL HEX SPELL”—were purchased with Kirk as the target.
The outlet described the curses as designed to create minor annoyances, such as malfunctioning microphones or ill-fitting clothing, emphasizing that they were “not calling on dark forces to cause him harm.”
Despite the assassination, Jezebel has kept the story online but added a note condemning Kirk’s death.
“This story was published on September 8. Jezebel condemns the shooting of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms,” the statement reads. “We do not endorse, encourage, or excuse political violence of any kind.”
The outlet did, however, remove the author’s name from the article. Resist the Mainstream was able to determine that the piece was written by Claire Guinan.
The report also described elements of the spell-casting process, including astrological timing and “spell boosters” sold by the witches.
One practitioner reportedly requested Kirk’s date of birth to ensure “accuracy” in performing a hex.
The article referenced a Utah State University petition launched Aug. 22 seeking to bar Kirk from visiting campus, which Jezebel suggested could demonstrate the spells’ effectiveness.
After the announcement of Kirk’s death, the outlet faced swift backlash.
Conservative commentators condemned Jezebel for publishing the story, arguing that even a joking promotion of curses against a public figure can create dangerous consequences.
“Two days ago, this outlet promoted paying a witch to curse Charlie Kirk to make him be on the receiving end of hatred. Now they disavow themselves of the consequences of their rhetoric. The media has blood on its hands,” one user wrote.
“You don’t believe in spiritual warfare? The left is literally hiring demons to try and manifest your assassination,” another added.
“This site should be shut down. Evil is not to be tolerated,” a third post read.
Kirk, widely recognized for his work with Turning Point USA, his Christian faith and influence among young conservatives, leaves behind a significant legacy as an educator, speaker and mentor.
The events surrounding his death have intensified debates about media responsibility and the boundaries of political discourse in America.
