Ever since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, his widow Erika has been increasingly in the spotlight, taking a leadership role in his Turning Point USA organization and becoming one of the most prominent public figures within the ultra-conservative movement. Along the way, Kirk has made comments about her detractors, including Joy Reid. Now, Reid is responding, giving Kirk some clear advice on how not to approach her or other Black women.

Joy Reid, Erika Kirk exchange public criticisms

Although Charlie Kirk had previously insulted Reid and other Black women for “steal[ing] a white person’s spot” as they advanced in their careers, the public spat between Reid and Erika Kirk seems to have started when Reid was one of several people criticized Kirk and Vice President JD Vance for closely embracing during a public appearance together soon after her husband’s assassination. “Holding on the back of his head and rubbing on his head,” Reid said of the public hug. Reid said if Vance that it would be a “MAGA fairy tale” if he finally sees the light that he needs a white queen instead of this brown Hindu,” referencing online speculation that Vance could leave his wife, Usha, who has been the target of racist attacks, for Kirk.

Kirk responded to the criticism during one of her appearances at last week’s Turning Point USA conference, AmericaFest, which featured figures from Vice President Vance to Nicki Minaj.  “Joy Reid probably needs a really, really good hug, and honestly, I’m here for it if she needs it,” Kirk said to the America Fest crowd. “I’ve got a good hug for you, good hug for you. I’ll even touch the back of your head,” she continued, referencing the criticism of her hug with Vance.

Reid responds to Kirk’s ‘hug’ offer

Now, Reid has responded to Kirk’s latest comments. In a segment of The Joy Reid Show, the host reiterated her earlier comments about the Vance family, “it is not my fault that MAGA is so racist that they are literally attacking Usha Vance” on social media, arguing that “the MAGA base cannot stand non-white people, particularly non-white immigrants.” After discussing the history and right-wing agendas behind conservative commentators like Charlie and now Erika Kirk, Reid rejected Kirk’s hug offer.

“Dear young lady, I don’t need a hug from you. First of all, I would never let you get close enough to hug me ’cause I don’t trust you,“ Reid explained. “And second of all, I don’t know if anybody ever told you – you’re pretty young – but don’t be offering to touch Black women’s hair. We don’t allow it.”  Reid noted, “This is not the 19-teens. It’s not the 1920s or the 1930s. You cannot come up to me, touch me, or touch my hair. I don’t allow it.”

With Reid having a long history of clashing with conservatives, and Erika Kirk now taking a leading role in Turning Point USA and in right-wing media, this may not be the last time that the two women have words for each other. Whatever may be said between them in the future, Kirk has been given a clear message to keep her hands away from the hair of Reid or other Black women.