Since the tragic death of political firebrand Charlie Kirk, his widow has remained a prominent figure. But sympathy has slowly curdled into suspicion, as back-to-back hugging incidents leave the internet buzzing with discomfort.

Erika Kirk stepped into the spotlight at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards on Thursday, November 6, 2025, where she was awarded the first-ever Charlie Kirk Legacy Award.

A viewer reacts to a moment involving Erika Kirk during the Fox Nation Patriot Awards on November 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook/IndependentUS

Country star Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany Kerr Aldean, presented the honor in front of a patriotic crowd. The evening was meant to honor Charlie’s memory and Erika’s new leadership role in furthering his cause — but what happened onstage ultimately stole the spotlight.

Erika Kirk accepts the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award onstage during the Fox Nation Patriot Awards on November 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Moments after accepting the award, Erika shared hugs with both Jason and Brittany. But what should’ve been a fleeting gesture sparked a firestorm online, as the embrace — especially her hand movements — began making the rounds on social media.

Erika Kirk accepts the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award onstage during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts | Source: Getty Images

‘Still Weird 😂’: Fans Zoom in on That Hug

Sharp-eyed viewers on Instagram were quick to point out how Erika’s hand landed during her hug with Brittany. One user joked, “lol she’s intentionally touching Brittany’s head so she can say – ‘see I do it to women too.’ Still weird 😂.”

Jesse Watters, Brittany Aldean and Jason Aldean present the inagural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award to Erika Kirk onstage during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards | Source: Getty Images

Another commenter didn’t hold back, remarking, “This is not normal behaviour..🚩” Others zoomed in on Brittany’s hair, questioning whether Erika’s actions were for show. “Women don’t touch other women’s hair when they’re all done up. She MADE SURE to touch her hair…” one wrote.

Erika Kirk hugs Brittany Aldean during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards | Source: Instagram/the.independent

Another piled on, saying, “Hmm so if another woman touched my perfectly styled hair while hugging me I wouldn’t like it and I’d find it weird. When my friends hug me they do not touch my hair and I guarantee EK doesn’t normally do that. It was performative due to criticism received for running her fingers through JD’s hair.”

Erika Kirk pats Brittany Aldean’s head as they hug during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards | Source: Instagram/the.independent

A Look, a Dress, and a Firestorm of Reactions

Over on Facebook, the criticism continued to pour in. Comments included, “She made sure to put her hand in her hair” and “It’s the ‘don’t even think about it’ look.”

Brittany Aldean looks on as Erika Kirk and her husband Jason Aldean embrace during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards | Source: Instagram/the.independent

Not everyone saw malice — one Instagram fan offered a more tender view, “I could tell Brittany that you were trying not to cry 😢.” Attention also turned to Erika’s appearance that night, especially her figure-hugging, floor-length green sequinned dress. One viewer summed up the mood, saying, “It’s the sequinned grieving for me…”

Erika Kirk takes the stage to accept the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award on November 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

The spectacle itself was also under fire. “They seriously had pyrotechnics for that?” one person quipped. Others focused on Brittany’s visible reaction, with one noting, “Lol the wife was all watching her,” and another adding, “Omg she’s holding back tears.”

Brittany Aldean looks on as Erika Kirk and her husband Jason Aldean embrace during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards | Source: Instagram/the.independent

Flashback: The Hug That Started It All

To fully grasp why Erika is now facing such public scrutiny, one must rewind to the moment that first stirred the controversy — a headline-making hug just weeks earlier.