Candace Owens alleges that Bill Ackman threatened Charlie Kirk weeks before he was assassinated

News | By Easton Martin | September 16, 2025

Conservative commentator Candace Owens has alleged that financier Bill Ackman threatened Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk weeks before his assassination in Utah. Owens made the claim in a public statement on September 15, citing what she described as a private meeting in the Hamptons in early August.

According to Owens, the meeting functioned as an “intervention” and included Ackman and Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon. She alleged that during the gathering, “threats were made” in an effort to pressure Kirk over his views on Israel. Owens further claimed that Kirk was offered “a ton of money” to alter his position and that he was contacted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kirk reportedly declined the alleged offer.

Owens stated that Kirk had been under significant pressure regarding his stance on Israel and was “having a change of heart” in the weeks leading up to his death.

Ackman has denied the allegations. In a public statement, he called Owens’ claims “totally false” and “slanderous,” asserting that at no point did he threaten Kirk or anyone associated with him. He also denied offering money to influence Kirk’s political positions.

Ackman described his interactions with Kirk as cordial and professional, and said the Hamptons meeting was not an intervention but rather a broader conversation involving young conservative leaders on issues such as foreign policy and culture.

Seth Dillon has not yet issued a statement regarding the claims. No independent evidence has been presented to corroborate Owens’ allegations.