A progressive U.S.-based website paid online witches to curse conservative activist Charlie Kirk days before he was fatally shot during a student question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Why It Matters

Political figures from both sides, including former President Barack Obama along with other prominent Democratic leaders have condemned the shooting of Turning Point USA co-founder Kirk but the article published by online magazine Jezebel, which has also since condemned the shooting, is likely to stir anger.

What To Know

The Jezebel article, titled “We paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk” was published on Monday.

It is intended as a humorous, wry look at the reach and influence of the internet on our lives, saying that while Kirk, who built up a huge online following, is one of the “downsides” of the internet, it also has its “gifts.”

“I can now buy a curse as easily as I can buy a phone charger. On the mystical website Etsy, you can find a spell for just about anything,” the article says.

“These days, witches cater to more than just personal grudges. And it’s not uncommon for them to channel their energy toward thwarting Republicans…Are you interested in punishing Kirk for the years of regressive rhetoric he’s shouted at America’s youth and anyone within earshot? Here at Jezebel, we’re about to find out if there’s a spell for that.”

As the writer sets about buying a suitable curse from an online witch on e-commerce site Etsy, they clearly state they do not want to harm Kirk.

“I want to make it clear, I’m not calling on dark forces to cause him harm. I just want him to wake up every morning with an inexplicable zit. I want his podcast microphone to malfunction every time he hits record. I want his blue blazers to suddenly all be one size too small. I want one of his socks to always be sliding down his foot. I want his thumb to grow too big to tweet. To ruin his day with the collective feminist power of the Etsy coven would be my life’s greatest joy.”

The online magazine also issued an editor’s note at the top of the article after Kirk was shot, saying: “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.”

After placing a “MAKE EVERYONE HATE HIM” spell, the author ends on what, in retrospect, appears a foreboding note.

“So, did my Etsy curses work? Time will tell. The forces move in mysterious ways, and as the Priestess reminded me, “Spellwork is a collaboration between the caster, the client, and the universe itself.” For now, we can only trust in the timing of the great unknown.”

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Obama said on X: “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”

What Happens Next

A hunt for the person who shot Kirk continues after a “subject” was released from custody on Wednesday night.