Ben Shapiro Goes Scorched Earth on Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly and Fuentes at Americafest2025 | WATCH

The conservative movement was rocked last night as Ben Shapiro delivered a blistering takedown of Candace Owens during Turning Point USA's (TPUSA) AmericaFest 2025, accusing her of exploiting the death of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk for personal gain and spreading dangerous conspiracy theories. The fiery exchange, witnessed by thousands at the Phoenix Convention Center, has reignited a bitter feud and exposed deep rifts within the right-wing media landscape.

Shapiro, known for his sharp rhetoric and defense of traditional conservative values, took the stage to condemn Owens for her recent attacks on TPUSA and Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, following Kirk's assassination in September 2025. "For years, Candace Owens has been vomiting all sorts of conspiratorial nonsense into the public square," Shapiro declared, his voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. He singled out her baseless claims about Kirk's death, labeling them "evil" and a betrayal of the movement's principles.

The crowd, a mix of young conservatives and veteran activists, erupted in applause as Shapiro called out the "cowardice" of those too afraid to challenge Owens. "If we fail to speak the truth, we fail our audience," he thundered, outlining a "moral obligation" to confront disinformation. The speech, part of a broader critique of "grifters and frauds" within conservatism, positioned Shapiro as a guardian of integrity against what he sees as Owens' destructive influence.

Owens, never one to back down, responded swiftly on social media, denying Shapiro's accusations and accusing him of misrepresenting her views. "Ben Shapiro's lies won't silence me," she posted, her words dripping with defiance.

This digital counterpunch has only fueled the fire, with supporters on both sides rallying behind their champions in a battle that threatens to redefine the conservative movement.

Shapiro's scathing critique at AmericaFest 2025 didn't stop at Candace Owens; he also took aim at Nick Fuentes and Megyn Kelly, accusing them of contributing to the erosion of conservative values through their actions and associations. Shapiro labeled Fuentes, a far-right extremist known for his white nationalist views and Holocaust denial, as a "poison" to the movement, condemning his presence at the event and the silence of others who failed to denounce him. He argued that platforming Fuentes, even indirectly, legitimizes hate and undermines the fight against antisemitism, a stance that has become increasingly urgent given the rise of such ideologies within some conservative circles.

The stakes are high. Owens' alignment with figures like Tucker Carlson, who recently praised Qatar as a better U.S. ally than Israel, has clashed with Shapiro's pro-Israel stance and traditionalist conservatism. The feud taps into broader tensions about antisemitism, foreign policy, and the direction of Trumpism, with Kirk's legacy hanging in the balance. Erika Kirk's defense of TPUSA against Owens' attacks adds a personal dimension, making this more than just a political spat, it's a family affair.

It's notable that this broadside against Fuentes and Kelly, alongside his attack on Owens, positions Shapiro as a defender of a more traditional conservative ethos, willing to call out those he sees as betraying the movement's integrity for personal or ideological gain.

As the dust settles, the conservative world watches with bated breath. Will Shapiro's call for truth prevail, or will Owens' populist appeal continue to resonate? One thing is clear: AmericaFest 2025 will be remembered not just for its celebration of conservative ideals, but for a moment that may have changed the course of the movement forever.