A publication has had to respond after releasing an article suggesting a ‘curse’ was placed on Charlie Kirk.
The shooting of Kirk while he was speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10 was a significant and unexpected event.
The 31-year-old, known for his conservative commentary and as the founder of Turning Point, was attacked during a debate at the university.
President Donald Trump addressed Kirk’s passing, posting on Truth Social: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The authorities are still investigating the incident, with the motive and identity of the shooter unknown at this time.
In an unexpected development, a media outlet had to address the incident after an article surfaced claiming the writer ‘paid witches’ on Etsy to cast a ‘curse’ on Kirk.
The article, dated September 8, criticized Kirk’s views on women and their rights, among other things.
After Kirk’s death, the publication added an ‘Editor’s Note’ condemning the violence at the beginning of the article.
It states: “This story was published on September 8. Jezebel condemns the shooting of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms. We do not endorse, encourage, or excuse political violence of any kind.”
Aside from this note, the article remains unchanged from its original publication.
The writer, whose identity is not disclosed, detailed their purchase of a ‘curse’ on Etsy intended to cause minor irritations for Kirk. They emphasized no serious harm was intended, listing inconveniences they hoped he would experience.
They wrote: “I want to make it clear, I’m not calling on dark forces to cause him harm. I just want him to wake up every morning with an inexplicable zit. I want his podcast microphone to malfunction every time he hits record.
“I want his blue blazers to suddenly all be one size too small. I want one of his socks to always be sliding down his foot. I want his thumb to grow too big to tweet. To ruin his day with the collective feminist power of the Etsy coven would be my life’s greatest joy.”
Josh Jackson, president of Paste Media Group, which owns Jezebel, told Variety: “The article was a tongue-in-cheek exploration of people selling hexes on Etsy, and intended as a satirical response to Charlie Kirk’s rhetoric over the years.
“The writer was very clear that she didn’t want real harm to come to Kirk. What happened today is tragic and becoming all too commonplace, and we condemn this awful act of violence.”
Paste Media Group has been contacted for additional comments.