The conservative media landscape is abuzz with the news of a significant split: Candace Owens and The Daily Wire have parted ways. Announced abruptly on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, the departure of Owens, a prominent and often controversial figure, has sparked widespread speculation about the reasons behind the separation. While neither Owens nor The Daily Wire have explicitly stated the cause, a closer look at recent events and known tensions offers insights into why Candace Owens got fired or, at the very least, why the partnership dissolved.
The Official Announcements and Initial Reactions
The first public signals of the split came via social media platform X. Candace Owens herself posted, “The rumors are true— I am finally free,” hinting at a sense of liberation and future announcements. Shortly after, Daily Wire co-founder Jeremy Boreing confirmed the separation, stating, “Daily Wire and Candace Owens have ended their relationship.” These concise statements offered little in the way of explanation, leaving the public to dissect the context and potential reasons Candace Owens was fired. The lack of immediate clarity fueled intense speculation and media coverage across the political spectrum.
Escalating Tensions: The Shapiro Feud and Israel
To understand the potential reasons behind Candace Owens’ firing, it’s crucial to examine her increasingly public disagreements with Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro, particularly concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. Owens, known for her outspoken nature, emerged as one of the few right-wing commentators openly critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza following the October 7th Hamas attack. This stance put her at odds with Shapiro, a staunch supporter of Israel.
Their feud spilled into the public sphere in November 2023, with a heated exchange on X. Owens’ post on November 13th, stating, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money,” was widely interpreted as criticism of Shapiro and The Daily Wire’s stance. Shapiro responded directly, reposting Owens and suggesting, “Candace, if you feel that taking money from The Daily Wire somehow comes between you and God, by all means quit.” Owens retorted, accusing Shapiro of being “unprofessional and emotionally unhinged” and criticizing his interpretation of scripture.
This very public and personal clash highlighted a significant ideological rift between Owens and a key figure at The Daily Wire. Sources within and outside the company suggest that this disagreement over Israel was a major contributing factor to the eventual parting of ways. Owens’ critical stance on Israel, while resonating with some segments, was seen by others as crossing into antisemitic territory, a sensitive issue for Shapiro and The Daily Wire, given Shapiro’s Jewish faith and strong pro-Israel views.
Beyond Israel: A Pattern of Controversy
While the Israel issue appears to be a central catalyst for the separation, it’s important to note Candace Owens’ history of controversial statements. Her tenure at The Daily Wire, which began in 2021, was marked by numerous instances that drew criticism and controversy. Most recently, she promoted unsubstantiated claims about French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, being transgender. These claims, which Macron himself publicly addressed, added to a growing list of questionable statements and conspiracy theories associated with Owens.
This pattern of controversy, coupled with the intense disagreement over Israel, likely created an untenable situation for The Daily Wire. While Owens brought significant viewership and engagement, her pronouncements also carried reputational risks for the company, especially as it aims to be a leading voice in conservative media. The Daily Wire, while embracing strong opinions, also likely seeks to maintain a degree of credibility and avoid being solely defined by extreme or unsubstantiated claims.
Conclusion: A Confluence of Factors
In conclusion, the reasons for Candace Owens’ departure from The Daily Wire are likely multifaceted. While neither party has explicitly confirmed the exact cause, the public feud with Ben Shapiro over Israel, fueled by differing viewpoints on the conflict and accusations of antisemitism, appears to be a primary driver. This core disagreement, combined with Owens’ broader history of controversial statements and conspiracy theories, likely led The Daily Wire to conclude that continuing the partnership was no longer beneficial. For Candace Owens, “finally free” suggests a desire to pursue her career without the constraints of The Daily Wire, potentially allowing her to further explore her viewpoints and build a platform aligned with her evolving perspectives. The full story behind why Candace Owens was fired may remain somewhat opaque, but the available evidence points to a clash of ideologies, escalating tensions, and a divergence in paths for both Candace Owens and The Daily Wire.
