Jennifer Welch Slams Erika Kirk as an "Absolute Grifter" Over Controversial Marriage Remarks
Bravo personality Jennifer Welch has publicly criticized Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk (née Frantzve), labeling her an “absolute grifter.”
Welch, 51, known for her appearance on Sweet Home, delivered the sharp critique against Erika, 37, during the Sunday, December 7, broadcast of her “I’ve Had It” podcast.
“She is an absolute grifter,” Welch stated while referencing controversial remarks made earlier in the month by the Turning Point CEO regarding marriage and women. Erika had asserted that "career-driven women" were choosing to depend on the government rather than getting married and starting families.
“You are an opportunistic grifter who utilizes your gender to belittle women. You are a living example of why people, firstly, are turned off from Christianity, and secondly, are wary of female hypocrites like yourself,” Welch said in response to the statements. “For you to confidently enter Manhattan and lecture women who fully recognize the historical struggles we’ve overcome to achieve visibility. You are fundamentally disconnected from reality and should return to the Turning Point bubble.”
Welch added, referring to Erika, “This woman should be dismissed completely.”
Us Weekly has sought commentary from Erika’s representatives regarding the situation.
Erika delivered her widely reported opinions on marriage and women during a December 3 onstage discussion at The New York Times’ 2025 DealBook Summit.
Interview host Andrew Ross Sorkin mentioned Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory as mayor of New York City, drawing a parallel between Mamdani’s skill in “persuading younger voters” and Charlie’s influence, noting they represent opposite political viewpoints.
“You know it’s very interesting because I spent time living in Manhattan and truly appreciate this city,” Erika stated during the event. “I want to approach this from the perspective of a female voter, as a significant portion of his voters were female. I believe there’s a tendency, particularly when residing in a metropolitan area like Manhattan, where individuals are very focused on their careers, to almost view the government as a substitute for certain aspects of relationships. This leads to a different viewpoint.”
Erika proceeded to advise women against placing greater importance on government aid instead of starting a family and finding a partner.
“My concern is that young women in the city might turn to the government as a way to delay building a family or getting married, because they are depending on the government for support instead of joining with a husband, allowing both partners to support each other and combine resources together,” she explained.
She and the right-wing political activist have two children together, a son and a daughter. Their marriage took place on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Charlie died from a fatal gunshot wound on September 10 at Utah Valley University at the age of 31. After a search, police arrested the suspected shooter, Tyler James Robinson, the next day. Robinson, 22, now faces charges of aggravated murder and other felonies. (Robinson has not yet formally responded to the charges. Prosecutors indicate they will seek the death penalty if the trial proceeds.)
