BOCA RATON (VINnews)-Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has intensified his criticism of conspiracy theories surrounding the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, reiterating that engaging with such claims is an “actual sin” and recently blasting podcaster Candace Owens for what he called ongoing efforts to “poison brains at scale.”

Shapiro, in remarks at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest and on his show, has denounced influencers promoting unsubstantiated narratives about Kirk’s murder at Utah Valley University. A suspect faces charges, including evidence such as confessions and DNA on the weapon.

“If you give her your brain cells to kill, you’re harming yourself and the world. Don’t pretend you’re subscribing to ideological pornography because it’s entertaining,” Shapiro said of consuming such content.

The feud with Owens has escalated in recent days. On July 7, 2026, amid preliminary hearings in the case against suspect Tyler Robinson, Shapiro condemned Owens’ commentary questioning evidence and procedures as dangerous conspiracy-mongering.

“Candace Owens isn’t interested in ‘uncovering the truth’ about Charlie’s murder. She’s generating smoke so that people will believe there’s a fire — about Erika, TPUSA, etc. This is evil. And it’s working. She’s poisoning brains at scale. Resist the conspiratorial arsenic,” Shapiro posted on X.

He dedicated an episode of The Ben Shapiro Show to “Debunking Candace Owens’ Evil Bulls***,” disputing her claims.

Owens has continued to question aspects of the investigation, including text message evidence, and has produced content like the series “Bride of Charlie,” which targets Kirk’s widow Erika Kirk and alleges broader involvement by TPUSA figures and others. Shapiro has urged Erika Kirk to sue Owens, labeling her a “vampire” and “evil, twisted human being” for profiting off the tragedy through innuendo involving foreign intelligence and other baseless elements.

Shapiro has long argued that the conservative movement must reject “charlatans” who traffic in conspiracism, vagueness and grievance instead of evidence and clarity. He has specifically highlighted claims implicating TPUSA staff, Erika Kirk, Mossad and other parties in a cover-up.

“We have an obligation to clarity and to honesty,” Shapiro said. “We should not traffic in generality” or vague references to unspecified actors in Kirk’s death.

The ongoing controversy highlights divisions in conservative media, with some theories carrying antisemitic undertones by targeting Israel or Jewish influencers. VINnews has tracked such narratives amid broader concerns over antisemitism.

Shapiro has emphasized a moral duty for public figures to prioritize truth over audience-pleasing content, warning that conspiracy thinking undermines conservatism and American principles.