Podcast Hosts Lose Advertisers After Charlie Kirk Backlash
Sponsors pulled out of 'I've Had It' after hosts mocked a joke about the slain activist, and new friction emerged between the show and a national Democrat.
By Zoe Harrison ·
The hosts of the 'I've Had It' podcast lost major sponsors and a key political ally this week after a dispute over a joke about Charlie Kirk’s death. The controversy began last week when hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan laughed while reading a social media post that said, 'We’re digging up Charlie Kirk and doing it again.' The moment aired during an episode celebrating Democratic midterm victories. The hosts also suggested without evidence that Kirk’s accused killer supported President Donald Trump, though voter records show the suspect was unaffiliated and did not vote in the two previous general elections.
By the weekend, the backlash had cost the show financial support. Cash App announced on social media that it was ending its sponsorship, stating that it does not condone violence of any kind. The luxury bedding company Boll and Branch also reportedly dropped its sponsorship. Andrew Kolvet, a representative for Turning Point USA, claimed on X that several other advertisers had withdrawn their support. A source in the office of a prominent nationally elected Democrat estimated the podcast lost tens of thousands of dollars in sponsorships over the weekend.
The conflict deepened when that Democratic source told Fox News Digital that Welch called to seek advice on managing the fallout. The source said Welch blamed Turning Point USA for the controversy rather than expressing remorse. The source called Welch a 'sicko' and said the party did not need people like her. The source also alleged that Welch’s team used ChatGPT to help formulate a response. Welch denied both claims in a text message, calling the accounts wholly untrue.
Despite an apology posted Saturday, the hosts renewed their attacks on the conservative organization. Sullivan told Turning Point USA to 'f, all the way off' in a new video. Welch said her apology was motivated by her own convictions, noting that someone she loved died from gun violence two years ago. She stated that the apology allowed her to advocate for commonsense gun reform with a clean conscience. Welch accused Turning Point USA of spearheading a cancellation campaign by 'losers' who wanted to prove to donors that they could cancel liberals.
Sullivan continued her criticism by calling the organization hateful. She said the group supports representatives who protect pedophiles and sex traffickers. She also noted that the organization was fine with American citizens being gunned down in Minnesota and with putting people in cages. Sullivan told listeners who worry she does not talk enough to hear her say, 'F, off.'
The hosts removed the original segment from the podcast. They also donated to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun-control advocacy organization. Welch said the show still has plenty of advertisers and is not going anywhere. She added that Turning Point USA mocks violence and never apologizes.
The incident also drew criticism from within the Democratic party. Strategist Kaivan Shroff told Fox News Digital that the hosts are not helping Democrats. He said they are hijacking the attention that Democrats actually earned at the ballot box.
The podcasters said they regretted laughing at the insensitive joke. They noted that there was nothing funny about gun violence. The hosts stand by their decision to apologize and move forward with the show.
