Conservative political commentator Candace Owens is under fire following a controversial episode of her YouTube program. The broadcast has ignited widespread anger across political and religious lines for promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and targeting fellow commentator Ben Shapiro.
Owens' Controversial Comments and Promotion of Hate Material
During the show, Owens specifically encouraged her audience to read Der Talmudjude, a notorious antisemitic text from the 19th century authored by German theologian August Rohling. Holding up the book, she directed her viewers to learn its contents to understand what Ben Shapiro supposedly thinks of them.
She made inflammatory claims, stating, "He doesn’t just hate me, he hates you, too, white men. He hates all black people." Owens further escalated her rhetoric by making historically inaccurate accusations about Jewish involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, assertions that are firmly rejected by mainstream historians.
"Wake up and learn the true history of slavery because that wasn’t exactly a white man’s sport," Owens declared. "Jewish people were the ones who were trading with us. Jewish people were in control of the slave trade." She also labeled Shapiro a "contract lord" and accused him of adhering to values that dehumanize others.
Widespread Condemnation and Escalating Feud
The episode has intensified the existing public feud between Owens and Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro, coming soon after her departure from the conservative media outlet gained renewed attention. Shapiro responded forcefully, condemning Owens' rhetoric and stating that influential voices carry a "moral obligation" to reject what he called "specious and evil attacks."
Critics from across the political spectrum have labeled Owens' remarks as dangerous. Advocacy groups and experts warn that her comments recycle long-debunked antisemitic tropes, risking real-world harm under the guise of political commentary. The incident has fueled broader concerns about the spread of misinformation and hate speech through online conspiracy-driven platforms.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The controversy also ties into existing tensions surrounding conspiracy theories related to the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The fallout from Owens' YouTube episode highlights the ongoing debates about free speech, responsibility, and the potent impact of digital media personalities.
As the story develops, the intense backlash serves as a stark reminder of the powerful consequences of inflammatory rhetoric in today's polarized media landscape. The incident underscores the fine line between political dissent and the propagation of harmful, historically inaccurate narratives.
