Welch and Sullivan Face Sponsor Fallout Over Kirk Joke
Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, co-hosts of the I’ve Had It Podcast, posted a video on Sunday responding to criticism over their laughter at a joke about exhuming Charlie Kirk and repeating the act. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was killed in 2025. Welch criticized Turning Point USA’s role in the backlash and called the group “losers.”
The women had apologized on Saturday, saying they should not have laughed at an insensitive joke and that they would fund an organization working to prevent gun violence. Welch said the apology was not intended for conservatives. The Sunday video included a nearly 30-minute discussion of Turning Point USA and the criticism directed at the podcast.
Andrew Kolvet, a Turning Point USA spokesman, said 21 companies had either ended ties with the show or clarified that they were not associated with it. The hosts also asked supporters to provide financial backing by joining their YouTube membership program or buying Welch’s book.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, said that laughing about political assassination threatened democratic principles and that people should recognize the value of a life regardless of political differences. She said political violence should not be tolerated, excused or celebrated.
Sponsor Backlash Turns Podcast Apology Into a Political Test
Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan are facing consequences from advertisers after a joke about Charlie Kirk set off a backlash. But the dispute has also become a fight over who gets to define an apology: Welch said hers was not directed at conservatives, while criticizing Turning Point USA’s role in the campaign against the podcast.
The co-hosts had said Saturday they should not have laughed at an insensitive joke and would fund an organization working to prevent gun violence. On Sunday, Welch pushed back at Turning Point USA and said the organization was in trouble. The video included a nearly 30-minute discussion of the controversy.
A Turning Point USA spokesman said 21 companies had ended ties with the show or clarified they were not associated with it. The hosts urged supporters to help financially through YouTube memberships or by buying Welch’s book. That sponsor response shows how quickly a political pressure campaign can threaten a show’s business, even as the hosts continue to speak out.
Erika Kirk said laughter about assassination threatened democratic principles and that political violence should not be celebrated. Her loss deserves respect; it does not settle who should be allowed to criticize an organization or how a podcast must respond to outrage.
Kirk Joke Costs Podcast Sponsors After Apology Fails
Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan’s response to backlash has done little to quiet the controversy: after apologizing for laughing at a joke about exhuming Charlie Kirk, Welch said the apology was not meant for conservatives and attacked Turning Point USA.
The co-hosts said Saturday they should not have laughed at an insensitive joke and would fund an organization working to prevent gun violence. On Sunday, Welch accused Turning Point USA of driving an online effort against their podcast and called the group “losers.” A Turning Point USA spokesman said 21 companies had cut ties with the show or clarified they were not associated with it.
The hosts are now asking supporters to provide financial help through YouTube memberships or by buying Welch’s book. That plea comes as their remarks about Kirk’s killing continue to carry consequences with sponsors. Freedom to speak does not require companies to keep funding a show.
Erika Kirk said a culture that laughs at assassination threatens democratic principles, and that political violence must not be celebrated. The hosts’ apology and subsequent attack on Turning Point USA have sharpened the question of whether they take that harm seriously.
