The feud between Candace Owens and Turning Point USA (TPUSA)—once close allies—has escalated over the death of Charlie Kirk. Owens, a former TPUSA figure and longtime friend of Kirk, has challenged the official narrative of his assassination, alleging potential betrayal within the organization.
TPUSA pushed back, announcing a Dec. 15 livestream in Phoenix to respond to Owens’ claims, calling them “reckless,” “unsubstantiated” and “damaging.”
Initially, Owens welcomed the opportunity.
“I am happy to jump on Charlie’s show any day before then virtually as well. I was serious when I said we could do it today even,” she posted on X.
TPUSA producer Blake Neff released a video calling out what he described as falsehoods and formally invited her, emphasizing the broadcast’s goal was to “honor Charlie,” rather than accommodate Owens personally.
When the livestream date was announced, Owens said she learned of it on social media rather than directly.
“Kind of weird how you didn’t e-mail or call me,” she said, adding she could cancel her daily podcast to join remotely.
Neff reposted her message and stated the event would proceed with or without her, prompting criticism that she was avoiding the confrontation.
Owens has challenged TPUSA’s account, citing anomalies she says merit scrutiny, including the actions of a 71-year-old man who claimed responsibility and the removal of surveillance cameras.
Owens, who joined TPUSA in 2017 and left in 2019, maintained a close relationship with Kirk until his death.
Her history with the organization and personal connection to Kirk give weight to her criticisms.
Since his assassination, she has floated alternative theories suggesting potential involvement by Kirk’s friends, foreign entities, and professional operatives in a “murder shrouded in mystery.”
Neff outlined allegations Owens has raised, including claims against Kirk’s chief of staff, Michael McCoy, and accusations that technical staff tampered with evidence.
Owens also implicated security personnel and senior figures in a purported military “infiltration,” alongside theories involving foreign aircraft and paratroopers—none substantiated, MEAWW notes.
The controversy has reportedly generated harassment toward TPUSA staff.
“Instead of being able to grieve properly after one of the most heinous murders… my friends have had to endure harassment from people who have gotten whipped up by what Candace is saying,” Neff said, stressing that silence should not be construed as complicity.
Owens announced her team would counter the livestream with their own broadcast, taking the same podcast time slot.
“It has been decided by the public that the best response for this is for my team to livestream your livestream and provide commentary,” she wrote.
The public dispute has affected Owens’ fanbase.
Some express frustration with her speculative theories, describing them as “outlandish” and not based in facts, while others cite perceived bad faith by TPUSA as justification for Owens’ defiance.
Conservative commentator Tim Pool tweeted, “No one hated Charlie Kirk more than Candace Owens. She reviles him. She spits on his grave and she smiles while doing it.”
Others, however, have come to Owens’ defense.
“This is the ultimate GASLIGHTING from TPUSA,” wrote X account Sword Truth. “Literally they refuse to do a virtual stream and the only day they can possibly host Candace Owens is December 15th her husband’s birthday. This was a total setup TPUSA never intended to have Candace on, it was all a scam just like they scam donors and their bullsh*t ballot chasing.”
The dispute, drawing reactions from both supporters and critics, underscores Owens’ longstanding ties to TPUSA and her personal bond with Kirk, turning both livestreams into a high-stakes measure of credibility and influence within the conservative movement.
