Kyle Kulinski, host of the Secular Talk podcast with over two million YouTube subscribers, has sparked intense controversy after posting a meme targeting Erika Kirk, the widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kulinski shared the meme on Halloween to his approximately 500,000 followers on X.
The post utilized an edited image designed to resemble Spirit Halloween costume packaging.
The controversial image featured Erika Kirk with mascara appearing to run down her chest while holding what appeared to be a bag or hat filled with cash.
Erika has been seen crying at multiple public appearances since her husband’s death in September.
The fake packaging included a description labeling her as a “fake grieving widow grifter.”
The listed contents of the costume were “fake teardrops” and “skin-tight black leather mourning pants.”
This particular meme format has been employed across the political spectrum to criticize and mock various celebrities and politicians.
Kulinski followed up the next day with another meme in the same style targeting House Speaker Mike Johnson, calling him a “deeply closeted self-loathing homosexual.”
The response to Kulinski’s meme about Erika Kirk was overwhelmingly critical.
Conservative political commentator Blaire White’s response became one of the top replies to the post.
White wrote: “No one is requiring you to mourn Charlie Kirk. They’re asking you not to be a satanic piece of sh*t who celebrates brutal murder.”
“The bar couldn’t be lower, and it’s still too high for millions of you. Sick.”
Another user created a counter-meme directed at Kulinski himself, posting an edited Spirit Halloween costume package labeled “garbage human” featuring the podcaster’s picture.
Additional responses included straightforward condemnations of the post.
One user stated: “Awful. Shame on you.”
Another commented: “Wow, you’re a horrible human being.”
Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September while hosting an event for Turning Point USA, the organization he founded, at Utah Valley University.
Following his death, Erika Kirk assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Turning Point USA.
Erika has made numerous public appearances and delivered speeches at various events since becoming the organization’s leader. However, her public mourning has drawn criticism from some observers who question the authenticity of her emotional displays.
Critics have accused Erika of displaying insincere tears at public events and overacting during her first public address following Charlie’s assassination.
Some have suggested she is exploiting her husband’s death to sell merchandise and expand Turning Point USA’s reach and influence.
Kulinski posted another meme the following day that directly referenced these accusations.
The post stated: “She’s going through the normal five stages of grief: Pyrotechnics, Merch, Podcasting, Grifting, and Acceptance.”
Similar jokes have circulated widely on social media platforms.
A top comment on a TikTok video showing Erika appearing emotional at a Turning Point USA event read: “Everyone is such a hater. She is clearly going through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, marketing, world-tour, run-for-congress.”
Another TikTok comment echoed the costume post’s joke, stating: “Nothing says grief like skin tight leather pants.”
Criticism of Erika’s conduct has not been limited to left-wing commentators, the Daily Mail highlighted.
Podcaster Nick Fuentes also voiced disapproval.
Fuentes said on his show: “I’m getting this vibe from her that she’s very fake… I don’t really like how they, the whole organization, has been handling his death. Its gratuitous.”
Multiple individuals have faced employment consequences for mocking Kirk’s death or suggesting it was justified.
The Daily Mail previously reported on an NBA employee, a Marine, and MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd who were all terminated following their comments about the assassination.
Kulinski faces no such employment risk as he owns the Secular Talk podcast.
On Sunday, apparently responding to criticism of his memes, the podcaster posted an edited Scooby Doo image showing the character Fred removing a mask from a villain wearing a MAGA hat to reveal a snowflake underneath.
Accompanying the image, Kulinski wrote in all capital letters: “the same right-wing idiots who defended edgy jokes for a decade as soon as the joke isn’t about black or trans people.”
