Candace Owens is under scrutiny following her recent post on X (formerly Twitter) that featured alleged text messages from the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The messages, which surfaced on March 10, 2023, contain inflammatory remarks about ‘slavery’ and accusations against commentator Ben Shapiro. The authenticity of these screenshots has been challenged by digital analysts, generating significant backlash within conservative circles.
Allegations of Falsified Messages
Owens claimed the screenshots were sent by Kirk in 2018, suggesting they depicted Kirk accusing Shapiro of trying to sabotage their careers. One message reportedly referred to Owens as ‘his slave’ in a metaphorical context. Upon sharing these screenshots, Owens sparked outrage and confusion across various political platforms.
Almost immediately, the legitimacy of the screenshots was questioned. Critics highlighted formatting inconsistencies, anomalous timestamps, and mismatched fonts that indicated potential alterations. As the controversy grew, analysts began labeling the screenshots as ‘laughably fake.’
Expert Analysis and Community Reaction
A detailed forensic breakdown by digital analyst Frank McCormick, known as @CBHeresy, gained traction online. McCormick utilized ChatGPT to analyze the images and concluded they were likely fabricated. He pointed out several discrepancies based on Apple’s San Francisco typeface, the geometry of message bubbles, and colour-rendering standards. McCormick noted, “Together, these details show it isn’t a real iPhone screenshot but a digitally fabricated mockup made to look authentic.”
Further amplifying McCormick’s findings, another user, @Awesome_Jew_, summarized the situation as “laughably fake,” describing the images as “riddled with misaligned bubbles and wrong fonts.” This critique positioned Owens as appearing “delusional, dishonest, and desperate for attention.”
The fallout from the alleged texts has intensified an already fraught relationship within conservative media. Kirk, who passed away earlier this year, was known for his close collaboration with Owens at Turning Point USA. The allegations also implicated Ben Shapiro, hinting at attempts to undermine both Kirk and Owens professionally. While Shapiro has yet to comment publicly on the issue, sources from his media outlet have dismissed Owens’ claims as unfounded.
Owens’ Controversial History
Candace Owens has a history of making unverified or misleading statements, leading to polarized opinions about her credibility. Supporters argue that she is unfairly targeted, while critics point to a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and questionable sourcing. Currently, Owens has not provided any metadata or device-level verification to substantiate the authenticity of the Kirk messages.
No independent media outlets have validated the texts as genuine, and no forensic expert has come forward to confirm their authenticity. The lack of evidence has left the situation in a state of uncertainty, with calls for Owens to clarify or retract her claims.
As discussions unfold on social media, analysts emphasize the ethical implications of spreading unverified claims, particularly those involving deceased individuals. Until verifiable evidence is presented, the consensus among digital analysts remains that the screenshots are not credible. The controversy illustrates the ongoing tensions and rivalries within conservative commentary circles, raising questions about loyalty and integrity in the media landscape.
