'Every move, every tear under watch': Erika Kirk amid row over her viral hug with US Veep JD Vance

In an interview with Fox News, Erika said, "There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered."

She added, "There have been cameras all over my friends and family, mourning. There have been cameras all over me. Analysing my every move, analysing my every smile, my every tear. We deserve to have cameras in there."

"Why not be transparent?" she continued. "There's nothing to hide. I know there's not, because I've seen what the case is built on. Let everyone see what true evil is. This is something that could impact a generation and generations to come."

The viral hug sparked an avalanche of online speculation, with users questioning the nature of Vance’s relationship with Erika Kirk.

Vance, the guest of honour at the University of Mississippi gathering, was introduced onstage by Erika, who delivered a glowing tribute to him.

"No one will ever replace my husband. But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD," said Erika on stage and introduced Vance.

As Vance walked onto the stage, the two shared a lingering embrace that social media users quickly dissected frame by frame.

Erika’s hand resting on Vance’s head drew particular attention, with many online describing the gesture as giving an “impression of intimacy.” Within hours, hashtags linking Vance, Erika, and Usha began trending across X (formerly Twitter).

Moreover, Vance's remark on his wife Usha Vance's Hindu faith saying he “hoped” she would one day embrace Christianity further added spice to the controversy.

The comment, made at the same TPUSA event, angered many who saw it as disrespectful toward Usha’s religious identity. Critics accused Vance of pandering to his conservative base ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run.

Some even suggested that Usha’s Hindu background might be seen as a political liability in MAGA circles.

Among those weighing in Vance's rumoured courtship with Erika was New York Times author Shannon Watts, who made a chilling prediction that sent the internet into overdrive.

Taking to X, Watts wrote, “Vance announces divorce, marries Charlie Kirk’s widow by the end of 2026.”

The post, made in response to the viral photos, quickly amassed more than 8.8 million views, igniting debate and mockery in equal measure.

How was Charlie Kirk killed?

Charlie, who was a loyalist to US President Donald Trump, was shot dead in September during his address at the Utah Valley University in Orem.

A single gunshot was fired and it struck Charlie on his neck when he was addressing the students at the university.

He was speaking at an outdoor "Prove Me Wrong" table as part of his American Comeback Tour. 

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old key suspect, was arrested by the police.