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Erika Kirk cracks joke about grabbing JD Vance's 'a**' during hug that some deemed 'inappropriate'
Erika Kirk is not here for the internet outrage over a moment of raw emotion.
The Turning Point USA CEO and widow of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk has come out swinging against those criticizing her tearful embrace with US Vice President JD Vance. Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, Kirk laughed off the backlash and made one thing very clear: hugging is who she is.
“Oh my gosh, please! Anyone who knows me knows - I hug,” she told Kelly, adding with a smile, “And those hating on a hug probably need a hug themselves. I'll give you a free hug anytime. My love language is touch.”
She explained exactly what happened in that moment
As Kirk recounted, the moment was deeply personal. “I'm walking over, he's walking over, I'm starting to cry, he says, 'He's so proud of you,' and I say, 'God bless you,' and I touch the back of his head – something I do with anyone I hug,” she said. “If you've ever hugged me, I've done that.”
Online reactions to the moment varied widely, especially after visuals showed Vance placing his hands on her waist while she seemingly ran her fingers through his hair. Some critics read too much into it, prompting Megyn Kelly to quip, “They were acting like you touched the back of his a**!” Kirk fired back, jokingly, “Honestly, I feel like I wouldn't get as much hate if I did that.”
Kirk stood her ground, saying anyone taking the interaction out of context “just shows you need a hug more than anyone else.”
“No one could replace Charlie”
The hug happened during a public tribute event where Erika introduced JD Vance on stage. She broke down while watching a video dedicated to her late husband. “Sorry, guys, just give me a second,” she said. “This is the longest video I've watched of him. Just give me a second.”
Speaking with Fox News earlier, Kirk said that while no one could ever replace Charlie, she does see traits in JD Vance that remind her of him. Charlie Kirk and Erika married in 2021. They welcomed their daughter in 2022 and their son in 2024.