Was 15-yr-old Jill Falkon groomed by Erika Kirk? Candace Owens shares shocking screenshots of 'uncomfortable' photoshoot texts and birthday gifts

Nillohit Bagchi | Feb 14, 2026, 01:24 IST
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Candace Owens has accused Erika Kirk of grooming a 15 year old after sharing 2013 messages and photoshoot claims. Supporters call the screenshots disturbing. Defenders say it is a smear campaign. As reactions explode online, the debate over mentorship, boundaries and power imbalance continues to intensify.
X/@DramaAlert | Candace Owens has accused Erika Kirk of grooming a 15 year old after sharing 2013 messages and photoshoot claims
Image credit : X/@DramaAlert | Candace Owens has accused Erika Kirk of grooming a 15 year old after sharing 2013 messages and photoshoot claims
A fresh political storm has erupted after Candace Owens dedicated a full segment of her show to what she described as a troubling past relationship between Erika Kirk and a teenage girl. Owens released screenshots from 2013 and 2014 showing exchanges between then 25 year old Erika Frantzve and 15 year old Jill Falkon.

Candace Owens claims the messages point to grooming. Erika Kirk’s defenders call it a smear. The debate has now spread across X, Instagram and conservative media circles, with viewers split over what the screenshots actually show.

What did Candace Owens say about Erika Kirk?

During her episode, Candace Owens presented text messages, Instagram comments and public posts allegedly exchanged between Erika and the teenager, identified as Jill Falkon, also known online at the time as hiimjill or jillian falcon.

Owens said she interviewed Falkon, who is now an adult. According to Owens, Falkon confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots and said that, looking back, the interactions felt inappropriate. She argued that the tone, gifts and private communication showed what she called textbook grooming behaviour. She highlighted what she described as excessive compliments, emotional bonding and blurred boundaries between mentor and minor.

Shortly after the episode aired, Owens posted on X that the situation “requires an explanation”, adding that photographing a minor without parental consent would violate Michigan law.

Erika Kirk's messages and gifts in question




The screenshots shown on the programme included compliments about the teenager’s appearance. Erika allegedly referred to Falkon as “beautiful girl” and “stunning” and commented on her eyes, lips and skin. In one exchange about pageant preparation, Erika reportedly told the 15 year old to hydrate and avoid alcohol.

Owens also pointed to gifts sent for Falkon’s sixteenth birthday, including flowers and chocolate covered strawberries. Falkon reportedly posted about receiving them and described Erika as an inspiration at the time. Netizens say Erika Kirk's pattern shows emotional closeness beyond a normal mentorship. Supporters argue that pageant culture often involves close mentoring and public praise.

Jill Falkon photoshoot controversy

One of the most serious claims centres on a photoshoot. Owens alleged that Erika arranged for Falkon to take part in a shoot in underwear with a photographer, without a parent present.

According to Owens, Falkon later said she felt uncomfortable but went ahead with it. Owens argued that sending a minor to such a shoot without parental oversight was deeply inappropriate and potentially unlawful. There has been no public legal finding on the matter. Kirk has not addressed the specific screenshots in detail.

Netizens concerned about Erika Kirk's 'predatory' behaviour

Many viewers who watched the full episode expressed alarm. One user on X wrote that the messages were “wildly inappropriate for a 25 year old to send to a 15 year old.” Another said, "if the genders were reversed, the reaction would be even stronger."




Some went further and accused Kirk of predatory behaviour. The phrase grooming began trending in conservative online spaces soon after the episode aired. Even media personality Jason Whitlock said the situation was 'disturbing' and needed an 'explanation', though he stopped short of endorsing Owens’ claims outright.

Backlash from MAGA against Candace Owens

At the same time, prominent right wing voices have strongly defended Kirk and criticised Owens. Laura Loomer accused Owens of targeting a grieving widow and demanded legal action. Others said Owens was stretching the definition of grooming for attention.

The tension is heightened by the fact that Erika Kirk is now CEO of Turning Point USA following the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk in 2025. Owens has openly clashed with figures tied to the organisation in recent months, adding fuel to claims that the dispute is personal as well as political.

Grooming or misread mentorship?

The central question remains whether the 2013 to 2014 interactions meet the legal or psychological definition of grooming. Experts generally describe grooming as a pattern where an adult builds trust with a minor, often through praise, gifts and secrecy, with the aim of exploitation. Owens argues that the screenshots fit this pattern.

Kirk’s defenders counter that there is no evidence of sexual contact or criminal charges, and that mentoring relationships in pageant circles can appear intense but remain innocent. For many observers, the issue is not only legal but ethical. Was it appropriate for a 25 year old public figure to privately message, gift and arrange photos for a 15 year old without clear parental involvement?

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