Feminist media outlet Jezebel is under fire after publishing an article in which a reporter claimed to have paid witches on Etsy to “curse” conservative activist Charlie Kirk, just two days before he was assassinated at a Utah Valley University event.
The article, published on September 8, mocked Kirk’s politics and gleefully described the purchase of “multiple curses,” including spells named “Make Everyone Hate Him” and the “Powerful Hex Spell.” Following Kirk’s killing on September 10, Jezebel quietly added an editor’s note distancing itself from the piece and condemning political violence.
What the Jezebel article said
The now-notorious piece began as a satirical takedown of Kirk, who was a polarizing figure for his outspoken opposition to abortion rights, feminism, and LGBTQ causes. But critics say the “humor” crossed into dangerous territory.
- The unnamed reporter wrote: “To ruin his day with the collective feminist power of the Etsy coven would be my life’s greatest joy.”
- The article included descriptions of spell purchases, along with alleged proof of a ritual—a burned photograph of Kirk.
- The reporter concluded: “So, did my Etsy curses work? Time will tell.”
At the time, the article was presented as tongue-in-cheek commentary. But after Kirk’s real-world assassination, the timing fueled outrage across social media.
Jezebel’s editor’s note
After Kirk’s death, Jezebel added a disclaimer at the top of the article:
“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.”
The note attempted to draw a line between the piece’s satirical intent and the subsequent killing, but critics argued the publication’s tone was irresponsible given the stakes of U.S. political violence.
Why the backlash matters
- Irresponsible timing: Joking about curses and hexes on a public figure—followed by that figure’s assassination—blurs the line between satire and incitement, regardless of intent.
- Polarization and media ethics: The episode highlights how partisan media outlets increasingly use shock value to attract clicks, sometimes at the cost of credibility and responsibility.
- Conspiracy fuel: Kirk’s allies are already using the article as “evidence” of a coordinated cultural war against conservatives, despite no link between the piece and the shooter.
How critics and supporters responded
- Conservatives blasted Jezebel, accusing the outlet of dehumanizing political opponents and normalizing violent fantasies. Turning Point USA supporters flooded social media with calls for boycotts.
- Progressives were split: some defended the piece as satire gone wrong, while others admitted the article was “reckless” and “in poor taste.”
- Media watchdogs pointed out that satire is not a shield against accountability, especially when tied to real-world tragedies.
Kirk’s assassination investigation
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while answering a student’s question about transgender mass shooters. Authorities believe the fatal shot came from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away. The FBI has called it a “targeted attack,” though the shooter remains at large after two false arrests.
The Jezebel article is not believed to have any connection to the crime, but its resurfacing underscores the toxic mix of rhetoric, satire, and violence shaping U.S. political culture.
Bigger picture: satire, speech, and responsibility
This controversy raises difficult questions:
- Where should media draw the line between satire and reckless commentary?
- Should publishers preemptively consider the potential impact of humor about violence in a country already grappling with political assassinations?
- How can satire remain edgy without tipping into something that seems to “wish harm” on real people?
As the U.S. reels from Kirk’s killing, Jezebel’s “curse” article has become another flashpoint in a national conversation about political polarization, media ethics, and the dangerous overlap between internet jokes and real-world consequences.
