Brian Harpole, former security chief to conservative leader Charlie Kirk, filed a federal defamation lawsuit against podcast host Candace Owens after she allegedly spread conspiracy theories accusing him of involvement in Kirk’s assassination at a Utah college campus last September.
The Defamation Claims
Harpole filed the lawsuit Thursday in Tennessee federal court, accusing Owens of multiple counts of defamation. The suit states Owens initially criticized Harpole for failing to implement proper security protocols on the day Kirk was killed, then escalated to directly accusing him of participating in the assassination. Owens featured interviews with Mitch Snow, a co-defendant claiming to be a former military official, who alleged Harpole attended a classified government meeting at Fort Huachuca army installation one day before Kirk’s death to coordinate the killing.
Owens called Snow’s account completely honest and predicted it would force a full government confession about involvement in Kirk’s assassination. Snow claimed he recognized Harpole at the alleged meeting through his gift for recognizing people. Harpole denies attending any such meeting, providing travel records showing he was in Dallas, Texas at the time. The lawsuit seeks $75,000 in damages, though Harpole says reasonable compensation reaches well into the millions, citing harassment from thousands of social media users who falsely accuse him of conspiracy to murder Kirk.
Owens Responds To Legal Action
Shortly after the lawsuit filing, Owens disputed the claims on her podcast, calling it one big public relations move. She challenged Harpole’s assertion that he is a private citizen rather than a public figure, pointing to his appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, a widely followed political and military commentary podcast. Owens argued Harpole deliberately presented himself as a private citizen to require a lower standard of proving defamation. The suit counters that Harpole appeared on Ryan’s podcast solely to respond to and rebut the defamatory statements Owens allegedly made.
Pattern Of Controversial Claims
The lawsuit notes Owens has developed a reputation for spreading conspiracy theories, including false claims that French First Lady Brigitte Macron is a man, which sparked another defamation lawsuit. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife sued Owens in July, accusing her of making false claims to promote her independent platform, gain notoriety and make money. Harpole’s suit similarly argues Owens monetizes the defamation she spreads through her social media platforms. Kirk, who led Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in September. Tyler Robinson faces charges as the accused shooter.