Candace Owens is under fire after sharing alleged text messages from the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which included provocative references to ‘slavery’ and accusations against commentator Ben Shapiro. The backlash intensified as digital analysts and social media users claimed the screenshots are manipulated, raising questions about authenticity and sparking debates within the conservative media landscape.
The Allegations and Initial Reactions
Owens presented the screenshots on X (formerly Twitter), asserting they were sent by Kirk in 2018. The messages purportedly depicted Kirk accusing Shapiro of attempting to sabotage both his and Owens’ careers, with one message controversially labeling Owens as ‘his slave’ in a metaphorical sense. The posts gained traction quickly, igniting outrage and confusion across various political and media circles.
Critics wasted no time questioning the validity of the screenshots. They pointed to several discrepancies, including formatting inconsistencies, unexpected timestamps, and mismatched fonts, all suggesting the images could have been altered.
Digital Analysts Dispute Authenticity
The most notable rebuttal came from user @CBHeresy, known as Frank McCormick, who conducted a forensic analysis of the claimed screenshots. After assessing the images using ChatGPT, McCormick concluded they were fabricated. He highlighted multiple design flaws based on Apple’s San Francisco typeface metrics, message bubble geometry, and color-rendering standards.
McCormick stated, “Together, these details show it isn’t a real iPhone screenshot but a digitally fabricated mockup made to look authentic.” He further noted that even older iOS versions adhered to consistent design principles, none of which aligned with the images Owens posted.
Another user, @Awesome_Jew_, echoed McCormick’s analysis, describing the screenshots as “laughably fake,” citing misaligned bubbles and incorrect fonts. The user characterized Owens’ actions as indicative of someone “delusional, dishonest, and desperate for attention.”
As the controversy unfolded, Owens shared additional alleged messages from Kirk, maintaining her stance on their authenticity. However, the digital consensus remained critical of her claims.
Tensions within Conservative Media
This incident comes at a time of increasing friction among figures in the conservative media sphere. Kirk, who passed away earlier this year, had previously collaborated closely with Owens during their tenure at Turning Point USA. The alleged texts not only implicated Shapiro but also suggested he had sought to undermine both Owens and Kirk professionally.
While Shapiro has not yet issued a public response, sources connected to his media outlet dismissed the allegations as unfounded. The unfolding situation has reignited discussions about loyalty, credibility, and rivalries within right-wing commentary circles.
Owens’ History of Controversial Claims
Owens has a history of sharing unverified or misleading content, which has drawn criticism. Supporters argue she faces undue scrutiny, while detractors cite a recurring pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and questionable sourcing. To date, Owens has not provided any metadata or device-level verification to substantiate the authenticity of the Kirk messages.
No independent outlet has confirmed the texts as genuine, and no forensic expert has publicly endorsed the images. Analysts emphasize the ethical implications of spreading unverified claims, particularly involving deceased individuals.
As the fallout continues, calls for Owens to clarify or retract her posts have emerged. Until verifiable evidence is presented, the status of the messages remains disputed. For now, the prevailing view among digital analysts is that the screenshots are indeed “laughably fake.”
