Ex-ESPN Anchor Faces Harsh Backlash Over Tribute to Charlie Kirk

Former ESPN host Samantha Ponder revealed that she received “vicious” messages from strangers after she mourned the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

During a conversation with former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Fox News this weekend, Ponder mentioned that a straightforward post about Charlie Kirk’s family incited a strong negative reaction.

“It’s peculiar because I didn’t say much at all. I simply shared a video of his family because it resonated with me, seeing him as a father. We often forget when viewing personalities on television that they are also just parents, spouses with kids,” she remarked. “So, I shared a clip of their family vacation, and instantly, I lost thousands of followers – which, frankly, is not the issue here. It’s not about me.”

“The focus is more on observing what’s happening nationwide. I received intense backlash, although anyone who works in TV is accustomed to such things. Still, it was in reaction to something I assumed we’d all agree upon – that it’s tragic when someone’s life is taken. I assumed the public would share this sentiment,” she explained further.

Ponder attributed some of the celebratory reactions to Charlie Kirk’s passing to social media algorithms, which were presenting a particular narrative and inciting anger.

Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event held at Utah Valley University on September 10. His surviving family includes his wife Erika and their two children. Although the Democratic leadership denounced the shooting, extreme leftists took to social media to express joy immediately following his demise.