Conservative commentator Candace Owens has intensified her long-standing feud with former Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro, labeling him a "dangerous" individual and a "parasite" while calling on her audience to "take real action" against him. The remarks, delivered in a fiery podcast episode released on January 7, 2026, have sparked accusations of inciting violence and drawn sharp criticism from fellow conservatives.
In the episode titled "DEFCON 3: Ben Shapiro's Legacy of No-Nos | Candace Ep 286," Owens delved into what she described as ongoing harassment from her former employer. She accused Shapiro of using clips from her old Daily Wire podcast to publicly attack her, claiming the content is being repurposed in a hostile manner nearly two years after her firing.
"95% of what I have gone through, the public knows nothing about. That changes today," Owens stated at the outset, before outlining alleged plots against her and Shapiro's "history of no-nos."
Owens' rhetoric grew increasingly heated as she dehumanized Shapiro, comparing him to a "succubus," "worm," and "maggot on a corpse." She suggested he views others' success as something to exploit, stating he "sees health" and "believes that it belongs to him."
Critics have pointed to these descriptions as echoing antisemitic tropes, especially given the pair's history of clashes over Israel-related issues.
The podcast also touched on broader conservative infighting, including references to Turning Point USA and its founder Charlie Kirk, whom Owens has previously targeted with unsubstantiated claims.
The most controversial segment came when Owens urged her listeners to respond decisively. "This is real life," she said, emphasizing the need for "real action" against Shapiro, whom she portrayed as a persistent threat.
