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Erika Kirk Accused Of Another “Touchy-Feely” Hug With Country Singer Days After Viral JD Vance Moment
Erika Kirk in a green sequined dress appearing emotional and hugging a country singer wearing a black hat on stage.

Erika Kirk Accused Of Another “Touchy-Feely” Hug With Country Singer Days After Viral JD Vance Moment

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Erika Kirk is facing criticism for another “inappropriate” hug, this time with country singer Jason Aldean.

The 36-year-old has made several public appearances since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September.

Following his passing, Erika vowed to “complete his vision” for the political organization Turning Point and became its new CEO.

Highlights
  • Erika Kirk has faced criticism for an “inappropriate” hug with country singer Jason Aldean.
  • She embraced the star while receiving the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards.
  • Critics said her affectionate hugs show poor boundaries, while supporters urged people to show empathy for the widow.
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    Erika Kirk speaking on stage in a green sequined dress, linked to touchy-feely hug controversy with country singer.

    Image credits: Fox News

    Since then, her behavior has come under intense public scrutiny. Commentators have been judging her interactions with men and how she speaks about her late husband, contrasting her actions with their idea of how a widow is “supposed” to behave.

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    One example was the reaction to her intimate embrace with Vice President J.D. Vance at the University of Mississippi during the This Is the Turning Point tour.

    After coming on stage, Vance placed his hand on Erika’s waist while she rested her hand on the back of his head.

    Audience watching a Fox Nation Patriot Awards event on stage with Charlie Kirk Legacy Award displayed on screen.

    Image credits: Fox News

    Now, the mother of two has raised eyebrows again while receiving the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards on Thursday (November 6).

    Erika was presented with the accolade by country star Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany. After being introduced as “the woman who refuses to surrender,” she hugged both Aldeans for a long time and rubbed Jason’s back for several seconds.

    Many viewers claimed Brittany appeared uncomfortable as Erika and Jason shared the close embrace.

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    Critics described the embrace as overly familiar and inappropriate

    Erika Kirk hugging country singer on stage, sparking controversy days after viral JD Vance moment at an event.

    Image credits: Fox News

    “Has no one heard of a handshake or side hug? 🙄,” one critic wrote.

    “It’s not a healthy way to hug someone. It’s overly familiar. It’s intimate. She has poor boundaries,” another commented.

    “Extremely inappropriate!!!! And shame on Jason for doing it,” echoed someone else.

    Erika Kirk hugging country singer on stage wearing green sequined dress and cowboy hat in front of blue background.

    Image credits: Fox News

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    However, others jumped to her defense, arguing that people were reading too much into the interaction and that they needed to be more empathetic. 

    “Maybe it’s the only way she has learnt to show affection. Stop hating on her,” one user wrote.

    “This right here is a Mrs. Erika Kirk hug, folks — the kind that reminds me of church mothers’ embrace, where you know she’s saying a quick silent prayer,” shared another.

    “She is still mourning her husband. She is not trying to take anybody’s husband away from them. She’s just a kind, loving person,” someone else remarked.

    A close embrace involving Vice President J.D. Vance also raised eyebrows

    Erika Kirk hugging a country singer closely on stage following another touchy-feely moment with JD Vance.

    Image credits: WREG News Channel 13

    Erika faced similar judgement for laughing and smiling while appearing on her late husband’s podcast days after his passing.

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    Speaking with Fox NewsJesse Watters, the Turning Point CEO subtly addressed the ongoing online commentary surrounding her public appearances.

    During the interview, Erika was asked what she thought of the defense’s request to bar cameras from the courtroom during Tyler Robinson’s trial.

    Erika Kirk hugging country singer on stage in a formal setting amid public attention and viral moments.

    Image credits: WREG News Channel 13

    She argued that her late husband was m*rdered in public and the crime was captured on camera, so there is no reason the suspect should be granted privacy.

    “There were cameras all over my husband when he was m*rdered. There have been cameras all over my friends and family mourning. There have been cameras all over me, analyzing my every move, analyzing every smile, my every tear, we deserve to have cameras in there,” she responded.

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    “Why not be transparent? There is nothing to hide, I know there is not because I have seen what the case is built on.”

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    Erika noted that her grief and behavior have been heavily analyzed since her husband’s tragedy

    Erika Kirk speaking into a microphone during a podcast recording on the Charlie Kirk Show set with studio equipment visible.

    Image credits: Charlie Kirk

    @a94400cf Erika is just too touchy feely lol #erikakirk#jasonaldean#brittanyaldean#fyp♬ original sound – a94400cf


    Charlie lost his life while answering questions from students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his American Comeback Tour on September 10.

    Officials have charged the reported assassin, Tyler James Robinson, with several offenses including aggravated m*rder. The 22-year-old faces capital punishment if convicted.

    The Turning Point CEO argued that cameras should be allowed in the courtroom during the trial of Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin

    Erika Kirk speaking at a podium wearing a white blazer, involved in country singer touchy-feely hug controversy.

    Image credits: Fox 5

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    At her husband’s memorial ceremony, Erika said she forgave the man accused of taking his life “because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do.”

    “My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” Erika said. “That man, that young man – I forgive him.”

    In an interview with The New York Times, the 36-year-old said she had been asked whether she wants Robinson to face capital punishment.

    Erika Kirk speaking at a podium during a Turning Point USA event, involved in a controversial country singer hug incident.

    Image credits: Fox 5

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    “I’ll be honest. I told our lawyer, I want the government to decide this. I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger,” she stated.

    “Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like, ‘Uh, [an] eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?

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    “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love – love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    Read less »
    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    What do you think ?
    Nova Rook
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We need to have a Nuremberg-style trial for every gender-affirming clinic doctor. We need it immediately. – The Charlie Kirk Show, 1 April 2024

    Nova Rook
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified. – The Charlie Kirk Show, 23 January 2024

    Load More Replies...
    Eva Sawyer
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jesus the amount of people who spend their time trying to tear down a woman whose husband was m******d in front of the world is truly disgusting.

    SnifflyMango04
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone is enjoying their little spotlight there. Seems to be doing well capitalizing on the fame and controversy.

    Paul Sloan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please BP stop. Only and very small percentage of people care about this person, and judging by the comment, none of your readers do.

    Michelle C
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the kind of trash that gives people cause to deactivate social media accounts because the webmasters are doing nothing but adding to malicious gossip. Erika Kirk is clearly hugging a friend and is wishing her husband was there with her, too. Would it have been any wonder if she was simply holding on to Jason Aldean to keep from shaking on stage, given how much grief she has had to hold back publicly and she has said as much? Did y’all not notice that she was gripping Second Lady Vance for dear life when walking behind her husband’s casket in much the same manner?? None of us have any idea what Erika Kirk has had to endure other than that she has discussed publicly. Let her grieve like you would any other person who has lost someone beloved in such a manner!!

    UKDeek
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The greatest work women can do is stay home and raise up their children." - Charlie Kirk. Erica doesn't seem to be staying at home much, raising up her children...

    Dianna Jankausky
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do not understand the excessive criticism about Erica Kirk. Her husband was m******d and she is grieving. Anyone who has ever lost their husband knows the grieving process can take years and it is a very slow and painful process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with people offering a hug to show support to someone who is grieving. The people being critical about Erika Kirk are lacking in sympathy and compassion.

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You signed on and created an account just to make this comment?

    Load More Replies...
    Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah right, Kirk was and the Christian right are all about love and forgiveness. And absolutely no one is persecuting Christians in the US, good grief

    Major Harris
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this so called grieving widow was busted using eye drops a week ago to fake tears!

    Michelle C
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have you ever cried until your eyes dry out from the tears and excess salt in them? I have.

    Load More Replies...
    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is about Kirk's wife, not Kirk. Can we keep it relevant please, instead of the usual spam?

    NEMESIS
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how mentally ill all you TDS liberals are. You advocate for the mur der of someone who is practicing their constitutional freedom of speech and then tear the widow down after the fact.

    Nova Rook
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We need to have a Nuremberg-style trial for every gender-affirming clinic doctor. We need it immediately. – The Charlie Kirk Show, 1 April 2024

    Nova Rook
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified. – The Charlie Kirk Show, 23 January 2024

    Load More Replies...
    Eva Sawyer
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jesus the amount of people who spend their time trying to tear down a woman whose husband was m******d in front of the world is truly disgusting.

    SnifflyMango04
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone is enjoying their little spotlight there. Seems to be doing well capitalizing on the fame and controversy.

    Paul Sloan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please BP stop. Only and very small percentage of people care about this person, and judging by the comment, none of your readers do.

    Michelle C
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the kind of trash that gives people cause to deactivate social media accounts because the webmasters are doing nothing but adding to malicious gossip. Erika Kirk is clearly hugging a friend and is wishing her husband was there with her, too. Would it have been any wonder if she was simply holding on to Jason Aldean to keep from shaking on stage, given how much grief she has had to hold back publicly and she has said as much? Did y’all not notice that she was gripping Second Lady Vance for dear life when walking behind her husband’s casket in much the same manner?? None of us have any idea what Erika Kirk has had to endure other than that she has discussed publicly. Let her grieve like you would any other person who has lost someone beloved in such a manner!!

    UKDeek
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The greatest work women can do is stay home and raise up their children." - Charlie Kirk. Erica doesn't seem to be staying at home much, raising up her children...

    Dianna Jankausky
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do not understand the excessive criticism about Erica Kirk. Her husband was m******d and she is grieving. Anyone who has ever lost their husband knows the grieving process can take years and it is a very slow and painful process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with people offering a hug to show support to someone who is grieving. The people being critical about Erika Kirk are lacking in sympathy and compassion.

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You signed on and created an account just to make this comment?

    Load More Replies...
    Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah right, Kirk was and the Christian right are all about love and forgiveness. And absolutely no one is persecuting Christians in the US, good grief

    Major Harris
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this so called grieving widow was busted using eye drops a week ago to fake tears!

    Michelle C
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have you ever cried until your eyes dry out from the tears and excess salt in them? I have.

    Load More Replies...
    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is about Kirk's wife, not Kirk. Can we keep it relevant please, instead of the usual spam?

    NEMESIS
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how mentally ill all you TDS liberals are. You advocate for the mur der of someone who is practicing their constitutional freedom of speech and then tear the widow down after the fact.

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