'Tensions were thawed': Candace Owens and Erika Kirk had 'extremely productive' meeting

Podcaster Candace Owens met with widow and TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk on Monday after weeks of tension. As a result, Owens said, "tensions were thawed." The meeting went on for 4.5 hours and Owens reported that she would give "a full rundown" on Tuesday. 

"Erika and I had an extremely productive 4 1/2 hour meeting that I think we both feel should have taken place a lot earlier than it did," Owens said.

"We agreed much more than I had anticipated. Of course, we also disagreed on various points and people as well. Most importantly, we were able to share intel and clarify intent," she continued.

"I will of course have a full rundown for you all tomorrow as I am currently exhausted, but I wanted to quickly let you guys know that absolutely nothing was held back and the immediate result was that tensions were thawed."

Kirk posted about the meeting as well, saying, "Had a very productive conversation with @RealCandaceO. More to come from both of us. Looking forward to AmFest this week. Time to get back to work."

America Fest is TPUSA's flagship event which takes place in Phoenix, Ariz. just before Christmas. Students come from across the country to attend the event and hear speakers from across the conservative movement. This is the first year that AmFest will go on without her husband.

On Sunday, Kirk had written, "Candace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15. @RealCandaceO and I have agreed that public discussions, livestreams, and tweets are on hold until after this meeting. I look forward to a productive conversation. Thank you," Kirk shared to X.

In response, Owens said, "I am very much looking forward to this discussion."

Owens has had questions about Charlie Kirk's public murder, which happened on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. Kirk was speaking to students, answering questions, and engaging in debate when a shot rang out and struck him in the neck.

Tyler Robinson is facing trial for the killing and has been charged with murder. His parents aided him in turning himself in just one day after the murder. They had recognized their son in surveillance footage released by the FBI.

Owens has said that she has concerns that Robinson may not be the killer. In videos, she has offered alternative theories that in some cases implicate those who were closest to her slain friend Kirk. Owens and the late Kirk had worked together on Owens' Blexit non-profit and Owens was a featured speaker at TPUSA events over the years.

As the controversy unfolded over Owens' commentary, other pundits and podcasters have weighed in, causing tensions in the indie and conservative media space. Charlie Kirk was a thought leader in the conservative movement whose untimely death has sent not just ripples but tsunami-sized waves through the movement he worked so hard to further. He was beloved by many.