Erika Kirk Slammed For 'Classless' Joke About Grabbing JD Vance's Butt

Erika Kirk is facing a fresh wave of criticism after making a provocative joke about 'grabbing' Vice President J D Vance during a live interview, a remark that instantly reignited the controversy surrounding their viral embrace earlier this autumn.

Speaking on Megyn Kelly Live on 24 November 2025, Kirk joked that she 'wouldn't get as much hate' if she had grabbed Vance's backside, a comment widely condemned as inappropriate, tone-deaf and disrespectful given the political context.

The moment has triggered an intense online debate, overshadowing Kirk's earlier attempts to explain the emotionally charged hug that first sparked attention.

Kirk, 37, responded to questions about the October 29 Turning Point USA event, where she embraced Vance after a tribute to her late husband.

Joke on Live TV Triggers Immediate Outrage

During the segment, Megyn Kelly recapped the online storm that followed the original hug, noting that critics believed Kirk had touched Vance inappropriately. Kirk pushed back, arguing the reaction had been harsh and misinterpreted her intentions. She then added the now-viral line:
'I feel like I wouldn't get as much hate if I did that.'

The bluntness of the remark drew swift disapproval. One social media user wrote: 'That's not the classy answer I was hoping for... Now I have to imagine her grabbing JD's butt?' Others accused Kirk of trivialising concerns about decorum, particularly given Vance's position as Vice President of the United States.

The renewed backlash has underscored how sensitive the subject has become. What Kirk may have intended as humour was widely interpreted as dismissive, fuelling frustration among critics who felt she had undermined her earlier, more emotional explanation of the hug.

The Viral Hug That Sparked the Controversy

The origins of the dispute lie in the 29 October TPUSA event, where Kirk introduced JD Vance after delivering a tribute to her late husband. Their embrace, with Kirk's hand briefly placed on the back of Vance's head, quickly circulated online, with supporters describing it as a moment of shared grief and detractors calling it overly intimate.

Kirk later defended the gesture in interviews with Parade and other outlets, explaining that 'touch' is her natural way of expressing comfort. She stressed that the hug was platonic and rooted in an emotional moment, not inappropriate behaviour.

Despite these explanations, the clip continued generating debate, partly because Vance is married. Some online commentators focused on his wife, Usha Vance, who was photographed without her wedding ring in the days that followed, a detail that sparked further speculation. No reputable outlet has linked the ring-free appearance to any personal issues, and neither Vance nor his wife has commented publicly.

Why Kirk's Joke Reopened the Debate

Humour can often soften tense public moments, but in this case, Kirk's remark revived unresolved discomfort around the original hug. Social media users argued the vice president should not be joked about in sexualised terms, even playfully. Others said the timing of the comment, during a conversation about grief, scrutiny, and public perception, felt jarring.

The reaction reflects a broader unease about mixing political roles, personal tragedy and public displays of affection. For some critics, Kirk's joke appeared to minimise those concerns rather than address them.

Supporters, meanwhile, argue that Kirk's comment was simply an off-the-cuff attempt to lighten the conversation and that she has been unfairly targeted since the moment it went viral.

No Official Fallout — For Now

As of now, neither Vice-President Vance nor his wife has issued a statement, and no formal complaints have been filed.

The controversy remains centred in public commentary, but Kirk's latest remarks have reignited scrutiny at a time when the debate was beginning to fade.

Her comments have ensured the story will remain in the public conversation for some time, highlighting the precarious intersection of politics, personal tragedy and viral media moments.