Controversy Surrounds Jezebel's Article on Cursing Charlie Kirk Following His Assassination

On September 8, 2025, feminist website Jezebel published an article titled "We Paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk," detailing the author's experience of hiring witches from Etsy to cast spells on the conservative influencer. Just two days later, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University during an event. The timing of the article and Kirk's assassination has sparked significant controversy and debate regarding the implications of the piece.

DistractifyMediaiteWitches who claim they hexed Charlie Kirk speak out after his deathBreitbartThe Mary SueJezebel Issues Editor’s Note On Article About Cursing Charlie KirkComplexLADbibleDaily Caller

The Jezebel article, written in a satirical tone, described the author's intention to "punish" Kirk for his perceived regressive rhetoric towards women. The author claimed to have purchased multiple curses, including a "Make Everyone Hate Him" spell and a "Powerful Hex Spell." The article included humorous remarks about wishing minor inconveniences upon Kirk, such as causing him to wake up with an inexplicable zit or malfunctioning podcast equipment. The author emphasized that they did not wish for real harm to come to him, stating, "I want to make it clear, I’m not calling on dark forces to cause him harm."

What is the meaning of a Jezebel spirit? Etsy witch curse controversy explained in wake of Charlie Kirk's death

Following the news of Kirk's death, Jezebel added an editor's note to the article, which condemned the shooting in the strongest possible terms and clarified that the publication does not endorse political violence. Josh Jackson, president of Paste Media Group, which owns Jezebel, described the article as a "tongue-in-cheek exploration" of the trend of purchasing curses on Etsy, asserting that the intention was not to cause real harm.

Variety Magazine

The juxtaposition of the article's content with the tragic event of Kirk's assassination has drawn sharp criticism. Many commentators have accused Jezebel of irresponsibly trivializing political violence and contributing to a culture of hostility. Critics argue that the article's tone and content could be interpreted as inciting harm, regardless of the author's stated intentions. Some have labeled the publication's response as hypocritical, given the nature of the original article.

Progressive Site's Writer Paid Etsy Witches to 'Curse' Charlie Kirk

While Jezebel maintains that the article was intended as satire, reactions from various political and social commentators have varied widely. Some argue that the article's humor was misplaced, especially in light of Kirk's assassination, while others defend the right to critique public figures through satire. The ongoing investigation into Kirk's shooting has also led to conflicting reports regarding the identity of the shooter and the circumstances surrounding the event.

’Jezebel’ Writer Paid Etsy Witches To “Curse” Charlie Kirk 2 Days Before Shocking Assassination

• “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.” — Jezebel Editor's Note

Variety Magazine

• “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.” — Josh Jackson, President of Paste Media Group

LADbible

The publication of Jezebel's article just days before Charlie Kirk's assassination has ignited a complex discourse on the boundaries of satire, political rhetoric, and the responsibilities of media outlets. As the investigation into Kirk's death continues, the implications of the article remain a focal point of public debate, reflecting broader tensions in contemporary political discourse.

’Jezebel’ Writer Paid Etsy Witches To “Curse” Charlie Kirk 2 Days Before Shocking Assassination