TLDR;
April Chapman discusses Candace Owens' recent behavior following Charlie Kirk's death, particularly her commentary and insinuations regarding Kirk's wife and Turning Point USA. Chapman expresses concern over Owens' narrative, which she views as disrespectful and potentially harmful, especially towards Kirk's widow. She also touches on Owens' past actions, her departure from Turning Point USA, and her current stance on Israel, questioning her motives and the impact of her words on the conservative movement.
- Candace Owens' recent behavior is disrespectful to Charlie Kirk's widow.
- Owens' narrative is harmful and based on unsubstantiated claims.
- Owens' past actions and views on Israel are questionable.
Introduction [0:32]
April Chapman introduces an informal live stream to discuss a cultural icon, Candace Owens, a topic she rarely addresses directly. She mentions her limited past commentary on Owens, such as when Owens converted to Catholicism and her review of a debate Owens organized. Chapman notes her professional approach to ideological disagreements, generally keeping her criticisms private. However, she states that she will make an exception to address recent events from the perspective of a wife and a member of the Christian conservative community.
Candace Owens's Tribute to Charlie Kirk [2:44]
Chapman discusses Candace Owens' tribute to Charlie Kirk, acknowledging their past friendship and collaboration in building Turning Point USA. However, she expresses discomfort with certain aspects of Owens' narrative, finding them inconsistent with reality and disrespectful to Kirk's wife. Chapman shares a story illustrating Kirk's significance as a cultural and political muse for Owens, emphasizing their close working relationship in the early stages of Turning Point USA.
Timeline and Motivations [9:19]
Chapman presents a timeline dating back to 2018 to analyze Candace Owens' motivations. She notes that Charlie Kirk met his wife, Erica, in 2018, the same year Owens met her husband, George, through a Turning Point UK connection. Kirk and Erica began dating in September 2018, and later that year, George proposed to Owens. In May 2019, Owens resigned as communications director of Turning Point USA, and in August of the same year, she and George married. Chapman suggests that Owens' departure from Turning Point USA coincided with Kirk's relationship with Erica, implying a possible connection to Owens' recent behavior.
Analysis of Candace Owens's Behavior [17:48]
Chapman shares her opinion that Candace Owens, known for her competitive nature, may have struggled with not being the primary female figure alongside Charlie Kirk after he met Erica. She finds it strange that Owens continues to assert that Charlie was her best friend, despite his wife publicly holding that position. Chapman draws from her experiences with narcissists to suggest that Owens' behavior resembles that of someone who is crashing out after losing a significant connection. She believes Owens may have harbored romantic feelings for Kirk and is now struggling with the reality that he married someone else.
Discrepancies and Concerns [19:10]
Chapman expresses concern over Candace Owens' inappropriate commentary on another woman's husband, asserting her role as his best friend and casting doubt on his wife's character during a time of grief. She questions why Owens' husband has not intervened, viewing her behavior as disrespectful and narcissistic. Chapman recalls watching an old video of Owens and Kirk, noting the chemistry between them, but emphasizes the importance of respecting Kirk's wife and family. She also mentions her past experience leaving Blexic due to Owens' handling of a situation, feeling that Owens needed to be censured.
Turning Point USA's Response [22:50]
Chapman notes that Turning Point USA is being gracious by not responding to Candace Owens, as engaging with a narcissist can fuel their desire for attention and chaos. She believes Erica Kirk will eventually address the situation. Chapman highlights the absence of Candace Owens' images or footage at Charlie Kirk's memorial, suggesting a strained relationship in later years. She reiterates her belief that Owens wishes she were married to Kirk and is upset that Erica Kirk "walked away with the kingpin".
Candace Owens's Motives and Actions [24:50]
Chapman questions why Candace Owens would publicly make the kind of content she's making, sounding like a jilted lover rather than a genuine friend. She points out that Owens introduces narratives and asks questions without providing evidence, leading people to draw the conclusions she wants them to reach. Chapman states she has spoken with individuals at TPUSA and feels Owens should be removed from their website. She believes Owens is trying to cause division within Turning Point USA and tear down Erica Kirk, hoping donors will withdraw their support.
Tyler Perry Analogy [34:57]
Chapman references the Tyler Perry movie "The Family That Preys" to illustrate her point. She compares Candace Owens to a character who had an affair with her boss and fantasized about becoming his wife. Chapman suggests that Erica Kirk may need to confront Owens and assert that she will never be Mrs. Kirk. She believes Owens is crashing out because she cannot accept this reality.
Candace Owens's Professional Reputation [43:23]
Chapman believes Candace Owens has ruined her professional reputation and questions how long she can maintain her sponsors. She reiterates that Turning Point USA is removing her from their website and that Erica Kirk will likely ignore her to avoid giving her power. Chapman notes that narcissists are constantly thinking about their target and can continue to crash out over past events. She expresses concern for Owens' children and husband, questioning why her husband allows her to make such public statements.
Candace Owens's Catholicism and Influence [45:47]
Chapman expresses concern that Bible-believing Christians are taking cues from Candace Owens, a Catholic convert. As a Protestant, Chapman believes that salvation comes through grace and faith in Jesus, not through works or affiliation with the Catholic Church. She argues that someone truly born of the Spirit would not defect to Rome, suggesting that Owens' conversion indicates a lack of genuine faith. Chapman is confused by believers who listen to Owens' "foolishness," emphasizing that while Owens may be right on some issues, she lacks biblical wisdom and discernment.
Candace Owens's Views on Israel [49:14]
Chapman believes Candace Owens is blinded by her hatred for Jewish people. She clarifies that she is not a Jewish apologist or a Palestine advocate, but she supports Israel's right to defend itself against attacks, comparing the situation to Mexico attacking the United States. Chapman states she will not take cues from Owens and will only engage with her content superficially.
Super Chat Acknowledgments [49:46]
Chapman takes a moment to acknowledge and thank viewers who sent super chats during the live stream.
Final Thoughts [56:56]
Chapman acknowledges that the conservative movement is in a cultural battle, and sometimes it's necessary to pick your battles. However, she believes Candace Owens' actions directly affect the conservative movement. Chapman admits she was "a little sharp" but could have been even more so. She emphasizes she is not trying to start a fight but feels someone needs to speak out. Chapman asserts her right to express her opinion and is willing to accept the consequences. She doesn't hate Owens but wants her to stop her current behavior and create meaningful content. Chapman notes that Brandon Tatum is trying to help Owens, and she believes friends should hold each other accountable. She questions why Owens' husband isn't "reeling her in." Chapman concludes by encouraging viewers to share the video and stay unshakable.