By Paula Watson // Controversy // EEW Magazine Online

Candace Owens, the controversial conservative commentator, has made headlines with her abrupt departure from The Daily Wire and her involvement in a heated debate over the phrase "Christ is King" amidst allegations of antisemitism.

In the wake of an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths, Israel's subsequent counter-attack on Gaza has led to more than 30,000 fatalities, as reported by The Guardian. Owens publicly criticized Israel's military actions, stating on social media, "No government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide, ever. There is no justification for a genocide."

This post drew criticism, with some accusing her of antisemitism—a charge that frequently emerges against critics of Israel's military policies. Owens' rhetoric escalated during an episode of her show on The Daily Wire, where she alluded to a "sinister Jewish gang" in Hollywood, according to Media Matters.

The conflict with Ben Shapiro, 40, a Jewish-American and co-founder of The Daily Wire, became public following Shapiro's critique of Owens' comments as "disgraceful." Shapiro's subsequent invitation for Owens, 34, to quit was met with her claims of his "unprofessional and emotionally unhinged" behavior.

Owens, who rose to prominence through her YouTube channel and as the spearhead of the "Blexit" movement, has been a polarizing figure. Her opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement and the release of her film "The Greatest Lie Ever Sold: George Floyd and the Rise of BLM," which posited that George Floyd died from an overdose rather than police restraint, has only intensified public scrutiny.

Joining The Daily Wire in 2020, Owens' connection with Kanye West, particularly their coordinated "White Lives Matter" attire at Paris Fashion Week, further elevated her notoriety. Owens is married to British businessman George Farmer; both have been affiliated with the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA.

Here's a breakdown of the key points surrounding this latest controversy:

The Departure

Owens, 34, known for her polarizing views and commentary, has parted ways with The Daily Wire, a conservative media platform that had significantly amplified her reach. The exact reasons for Owens' departure remain unclear, but it follows a series of public disputes with Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro, 40, particularly over her comments regarding Israeli military actions and Jewish people.

The "Christ is King" Phrase

The phrase "Christ is King" is a central tenet of Christian belief that has sparked intra-Christian and conservative debate when used by Owens online. Concerns have been raised that the phrase, while rooted in Christian doctrine, has been misappropriated by far-right groups espousing antisemitic ideologies.

Candace Owens' Statement

On social media, Owens addressed the accusations of antisemitism—particularly concerning her interactions with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. She defended her actions by stating that the definition of antisemitism seems to mutate, suggesting that her defense against a "predatory, dishonest Rabbi" by liking a tweet was misconstrued as antisemitic.

The Rabbi Shmuley Issue

Owens faced backlash for liking a post that accused Rabbi Shmuley Boteach of being "drunk on Christian blood," evoking the harmful "blood libel" myth historically used against Jews. “I liked some random person on the internet who very quickly debunked the horrendous lie that I would ever send any person to threaten to murder Jews,” Owens said on X. She also argued that the controversy was over her debunking of what she perceived as Boteach's dishonesty rather than any expression of antisemitism.

Jeremy Boreing's Clarification

Jeremy Boreing, CEO of The Daily Wire, offered an explanation on the potential antisemitic use of the phrase "Christ is King," comparing it to using a shovel as a murder weapon—it's not the tool but the intent behind its use that matters. Boreing emphasized that using the phrase as a weapon against Jews or for political attacks constitutes a grave misuse of God's name.

The Christian Response

Some Christians advocate for the unreserved proclamation of "Christ is King," refusing to let the phrase be overshadowed by those who might misuse it. Others, such as Josh Buice of G3 Ministries, assert the importance of upholding biblical doctrines, regardless of potential misappropriation by extremist groups.

Comparison to Black Lives Matter

The comparison to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is about how certain phrases or slogans, originally created with a specific intent or meaning, can be co-opted or used by different groups for purposes that diverge from their initial message. In the context of BLM, the phrase "Black Lives Matter" began as a campaign against systemic racism and police brutality towards Black individuals. However, some critics argue that the phrase has been used by various groups to push political agendas unrelated to the movement's original goals, such as promoting radical Marxism, according to those critics.

Similarly, "Christ is King" is a declaration of faith in Christian theology, affirming the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. However, the controversy arises when this phrase is used by individuals or groups, such as far-right extremists, to endorse antisemitic views or to justify other forms of hate. In this way, the phrase is taken out of its religious context and is used for political provocation or to advance harmful ideologies.

The point being made is that both "Black Lives Matter" and "Christ is King" can be—and have been—used in ways that extend beyond their original meanings, potentially leading to confusion, misuse, and even harm if associated with extremist or divisive rhetoric.

Owens' situation highlights the complexities of navigating the use of powerful statements in public discourse, emphasizing the need for discernment and understanding of the broader implications of using such phrases at the intersection of faith, politics, and societal issues.

As the Christian community navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that core tenets of the faith are communicated with integrity and without association with divisive ideologies.