A Chilling Timeline: Jezebel’s “Curse” Article, Public Reaction, and the Tragedy That Followed

In late August, a Jezebel writer published an article that would later spark widespread outrage, alarm, and controversy. The piece described the author’s decision to commission multiple “curses” through online witchcraft services, allegedly timed to align with the new moon in Virgo on August 23. According to the article, the writer was told by one of the witches that “the first results” would appear within two to three weeks.

By August 24, the author wrote that she was already waiting impatiently for signs the spell had worked.

What has since unsettled many observers is the timeline. The curse was reportedly cast on August 23. Eighteen days later, Charlie Kirk was killed. Two days before his death, Jezebel published the article publicly.

Escalating the Ritual

The Jezebel writer did not stop at a single curse. Unsatisfied, she reportedly contacted a third practitioner, identified as “Priestess Lillen,” and posed a disturbing question: if multiple people cursed the same individual, would the effect be stronger?

The article claimed the priestess responded affirmatively and later sent “proof” of the ritual — described as a photograph set on fire, the flames curling inward toward an image of Charlie Kirk’s face. The priestess allegedly instructed the writer to “trust the unseen.”

The author documented the following days with growing anticipation. August 24 passed — nothing. August 25 — nothing. August 26 — still nothing. She reminded herself, she wrote, that “this is witchcraft, not Amazon,” and that unseen forces operate on their own schedule.

The article concluded with a question: Did my Etsy curses work? The answer, the author suggested, would come in time.

After the Shooting: Article Removed, But Not Retracted

Following Charlie Kirk’s death, Jezebel removed the article, stating it was done “on the recommendation of our lawyers.” The outlet insisted the piece was intended as satire and claimed they wished no physical harm to Kirk.

At the same time, Jezebel declared it “stood by every word” of the article, emphasizing that its editorial judgment had not changed and that the piece might be republished in the future. The publication framed its decision to remove the article as motivated by safety concerns for staff and fears of political violence.

Critics found the response deeply troubling, arguing that it focused more on legal exposure and institutional self-protection than on the devastation experienced by Kirk’s family — his wife, children, and loved ones.

Faith, Fear, and a Family’s Response

According to accounts later shared publicly, both Charlie and Erica Kirk were aware of the curses. The knowledge reportedly shook Erica deeply. As Christians, they took such practices seriously, believing that spiritual forces — whether good or evil — should not be invoked lightly.

It has been reported that the night before Charlie’s death, the couple contacted a trusted friend, believed to be a Catholic priest, and asked him to come pray over Charlie. Those close to the family say Erica ultimately found peace in the belief that “weapons may form, but they will not prosper.”

There have also been reports — not independently verified — that the Kirks had their marriage validated by the Catholic Church shortly before Charlie’s death. What is known is that both Charlie and Erica attended Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in the Phoenix area.

Religious Warnings About the Occult

The controversy reignited broader discussions within Christian communities about witchcraft, spell-casting, and attempts to contact the spirit world. Catholic priest Father Mike Schmitz has publicly warned against such practices, explaining that while some dismiss them as harmless games, Christian theology holds that not all spiritual entities are benign.

Schmitz has pointed to cases — including the real-life story that inspired The Exorcist — as cautionary tales about the dangers of dabbling in occult practices, even casually. His message is consistent: playing with spiritual forces is not entertainment, and consequences may follow.

A Deeply Polarized Moment

To many, the episode reflects more than a single article or a shocking coincidence. It has become a symbol of how deeply divided and desensitized public discourse has become — where dehumanization, symbolic violence, and ideological hatred are framed as humor or satire.

Regardless of one’s beliefs about witchcraft, religion, or politics, the human cost remains undeniable. A family lost a husband, a father, and a son. Lives were permanently altered.

The lingering question for critics is not whether curses are real, but why anyone would publicly celebrate, encourage, or trivialize harm — symbolic or otherwise — directed at another human being.