Candace Owens Under Scrutiny Over Continued Association with Far-Right Figure Nick Fuentes

Conservative commentator Candace Owens is facing renewed criticism regarding her association with Nick Fuentes, a far-right figure known for his antisemitic, misogynistic, and racist rhetoric. A recent tweet from user "AG" highlighted Fuentes's history of "constantly disparaging women and saying extremely racist things," alongside his criticism of Israeli government policy, implying Owens remains unbothered by his views. The tweet further suggested that Fuentes is "unfairly attacked by Zionists," a common trope used to deflect accusations of antisemitism.

Nick Fuentes, leader of the "America First" movement and founder of the America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC), has a well-documented history of making inflammatory statements. These include explicit antisemitic remarks, Holocaust denial, praise for Adolf Hitler, and derogatory comments targeting women and various minority groups. His rhetoric has led to his widespread condemnation and deplatforming from numerous mainstream platforms.

Owens's relationship with Fuentes has been a source of ongoing controversy, particularly following her interview with him in July 2025. Despite a subsequent public falling out where Fuentes reportedly called Owens "screaming and insulting," Owens controversially stated to Newsweek that Fuentes is "the Israel of the Right" due to his perceived attacks and subsequent victimhood claims. This comment has drawn further scrutiny regarding her stance on his extreme ideology.

Critics argue that Owens's engagement with figures like Fuentes, even if followed by public disagreements, risks legitimizing their platforms and normalizes extremist views within conservative discourse. The "AG" tweet underscores this concern, pointing to the perceived lack of concern from Owens regarding Fuentes's consistent pattern of hateful speech. This ongoing debate highlights the challenges public figures face in managing their associations.

Adding to the controversy, Owens has recently made unsubstantiated claims regarding alleged Israeli involvement in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a move that aligns with the tweet's mention of "critic of Israeli government policy." Such statements further entangle Owens in discussions surrounding antisemitism and the far-right, intensifying the debate over her influence and the responsibility of public figures.