American comedian Theo Von has found himself at the centre of an online storm following remarks he made about political commentator Candace Owens' children during a recent podcast episode. The incident, which quickly spread across social media platforms, has reignited discussions about the boundaries of comedy and public discourse.
Podcast Remarks Ignite Social Media Firestorm
The controversy began on the episode of The Theo Von Podcast released on January 6. While opening the show with fellow comedian Dave Smith, Von made lighthearted jokes that referenced Owens' past public statements. He linked her claims to imaginary games her children might play. The remarks were connected to Owens' past comments about the death of Charlie Kirk and her claims regarding French First Lady Brigitte Macron, assertions that lack official corroboration.
During the exchange, Theo Von quipped, "Her kids are so funny, dude. Instead of playing hide-and-go-seek, they'll play like, 'Who killed Charlie Kirk?'" Dave Smith responded in a similarly playful tone, adding another layer of humour tied to Owens' history of commentary. The segment was shared widely online, drawing strong reactions from listeners and observers alike.
A Shift in Tone and Past References
Notably, Theo Von later softened his tone during the same conversation. He clearly praised Owens' children, stating, "They are beautiful kids. I keep talking about them, and I probably should stop." He added that he was speaking from personal experience, noting he was not accustomed to frequently seeing mixed families.
This was not the first time Von has mentioned Owens' family on air. In March 2025, when Candace Owens was a guest on his podcast, Von showed a family photo and humorously compared her toddler daughter to UFC fighter Anthony Smith. Owens reportedly laughed and took the joke in good stride at that time.
Broader Discussion on Media and Trust
The later part of the January podcast episode veered into a broader conversation about trust in news media and influential voices. Dave Smith commented on how younger generations are increasingly questioning large institutions. He joked, "You got to just believe anything Candace says, man. That's the new world we live in." Theo Von replied with, "I mean, she's brave, dude."
Smith went on to cite figures like Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens as major independent voices shaping current online debates. Meanwhile, Candace Owens has continued to discuss the Charlie Kirk case on her own platform, persistently questioning official narratives despite no new confirmed findings being released.
The online discussion following Von's comments highlights the ongoing tension between comedic expression, personal boundaries, and the amplified nature of political commentary in the digital age. The episode underscores how remarks made in a podcast setting can rapidly transcend their original context to fuel wider public debate.