Erika Kirk’s time of sadness quickly turned into a viral event because of where her hand fell during an embrace.
Weeks after conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk’s widow hugged Vice President J. D. Vance on stage, sparking viral criticism, Erika Kirk is now speaking out.
Erika spoke about what she called a misunderstood gesture that made news at “Megyn Kelly Live” on November 22 at Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix, where there were no empty seats.
YouTube/@MegynKelly: Erika Kirk speaks at “Megyn Kelly Live” on November 24, 2025.
Erika Kirk Speaks Out
The hug happened over a month before, during a memorial service for Charlie, who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Getty Images has a picture of Erika Kirk speaking at her husband’s memorial service on September 21, 2025.
Erika had just seen an emotional homage to her late spouse right before the hug. Cameras caught her and JD crying as they talked, and the video quickly spread online.
Erika says the movement—gently putting her hand on the back of JD’s head—is something she does a lot with individuals she cares about.
Erika Kirk on “Megyn Kelly Live” on November 24, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@MegynKelly
The Back-of-the-Head Touch That Went Viral on Social Media
She said, “God bless you,” to everyone she embraced and caressed the back of their head when she hugged them.
On November 24, 2025, Erika Kirk talks to Megyn Kelly on “Megyn Kelly Live.” Source: YouTube/@MegynKelly
Erika was sure that everyone who knows her understands how loving she is, especially when things are emotional. She said, “I’d give you a free hug any time you want one.”
She also gave a more thoughtful view on the backlash. “Anyone who hates a hug needs a hug,” she remarked, suggesting that the public’s reaction may have had more to do with how uncomfortable everyone was than the hug itself.
November 24, 2025: Erika Kirk speaks to the crowd on “Megyn Kelly Live.” Source: YouTube/@MegynKelly
Erika Kirk talks about the viral embrace with Vice President J. D. Vance.
“My love language is touch, if you will,” the 37-year-old said to the crowd before telling them about a moment that she thought had been blown out of proportion.
“They basically showed the sad footage. I’m walking over, and so is [JD]. She said, “I’m starting to cry.” ” He says, ‘I’m so proud of you.'” I pat the back of his head and whisper, “God bless you.”
Erika Kirk and JD Vance hug at the Pavilion at Ole Miss on the campus of the University of Mississippi on October 29, 2025. Source: Getty Images
Erika Talks About Her Private Pain
Erika talked of her own sadness and longing after Charlie’s death, in addition to the hug. She said she had been hoping to get pregnant at the moment.
She said, “We wanted to have four.” “And I was praying to God that I was pregnant when he was killed […] I thought, “Oh my goodness, that would be the best thing that could come out of this disaster.”
At the time of Charlie’s death, the couple already had two kids: a girl who was three years old and a son who was one year old. Erika added that the idea of having a third child had given her a little bit of hope in the face of such a huge loss.
The scrutiny started weeks before at a university event.
On October 29, 2025, Erika went to an event at the University of Mississippi to celebrate her appointment as CEO of the conservative group Turning Point USA, which her late husband had led. This was the moment that went viral.
JD joined her on stage, and they hugged and talked for a little while. A human behavior specialist later looked at what they said.
Netizen remark about U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, posted on November 2, 2025. | Source: Instagram/vp
A Scandal Breaks Out During an Emotional Ceremony
Erika had already set a very emotional tone before the vice president even arrived on stage. The widow thought about her choice to carry on Charlie’s legacy as tears filled her eyes.
“Today is a very emotional day, so when my team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak, I really prayed about it,” she told the crowd.
Erika Kirk speaking on stage at a Turning Point USA rally at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, on October 29, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Erika then told a story about a time when she felt very spiritually clear and said yes, “I could just hear Charlie in my heart.” I could hear him say, “Go get that land back, babe.” Leave. The fight is already over. “God’s love wins.”
When she introduced the guest of honor at the ceremony, her tribute became even more personal. “My husband will never be replaced, but I do see some things in JD that are like my husband,” Erika said. “Yes, I do, and that’s why I’m so lucky to be able to introduce him tonight.”
Erika Kirk speaking in front of a crowd at the University of Mississippi. | Source: Getty Images
The moment that followed JD’s entrance on stage would start a viral maelstrom. Erika walked over to him and hugged him for a long time. While cameras caught what many thought was a comforting gesture between two longtime friends, the internet would quickly pick it apart from every aspect.
Some others noticed Erika’s hand delicately threading through the vice president’s hair, while others looked closely at where JD’s hands were on her hips. In general, the short meeting sparked a digital wildfire of speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Erika Kirk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance hug and talk at the Turning Point USA event, which was posted on November 3, 2025. | Source: YouTube/11Alive
“It’s Not Going to Bring Him Back”: A Lip Reader Steps Still, a professional lip reader has come forward to assist in clearing up the conversation. Nicola Hickling saw the video and decided that what happened between the two was based on feelings and sadness, not a disagreement.
Nicola said that Erika had told her assistant in a low voice just before going on stage, “I can’t do this; I don’t want to do it.” Please wait a moment. She had calmed down by the time she introduced JD, but you could still feel the weight of her emotions. Nicola thinks that JD quietly said, “I’m proud of you,” during the hug. Erika is said to have answered, “It’s not going to bring him back.”
JD Vance talks while Erika Kirk hugs him. | Source: Getty Images
Nicola stressed that this was a time for people to connect with each other in the face of unspeakable loss, not to be shocked. Erika hasn’t talked about the hug directly, but she did speak out in public after the viral incident.
She talked to Fox News about the trial of her husband’s suspected killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, which is coming up soon. She responded firmly, “There have been cameras all over me, analyzing my every move, smile, and tear,” in response to the attempt to limit the media in the courtroom. We should have cameras in there.
Erika Kirk glances up at JD Vance while the vice president watches. | Source: Getty Images
‘Truly Wicked’: People Who Watch Online Don’t Like It
After Erika talked to JD, who is married to Usha Vance, the internet immediately became a place where people disagreed. People on social media said they were uncomfortable, especially with where Erika put her hands during the hug.
“I’ve never embraced any of my friends’ partners like this. One person on the internet said, “This is really bad.” Another person said something similar: “Nahhh…i dont hug any of my BFF’s husband like that…it was too intimate for me…[sic].”
At the Turning Point USA event, Erika Kirk and JD Vance were there. | Source: YouTube/11Alive
One reader said something bad about it, saying, “I have to admit that Erika’s hand on JD’s head was too much.” It was a really personal move that is only for those who are in love. I hope someone told her to stop doing it.
People are talking about JD and Usha Vance’s divorce.
People on the internet also started to wonder about the future of JD and Usha’s marriage. “Are they still married?” someone questioned directly. Some people went even further. “That divorce is coming soon, sis,” said one person. “Someone else said, “I see a divorce and marriage to Erica in a couple of years.”
As the video kept going around, it became evident that many were more interested in what some saw as signs of a deeper, maybe changing relationship between Erika and JD Vance than in her sincere homage.
