Lip reader reveals what Erika Kirk said to JD Vance during the viral embrace that fuelled debate about their relationship, see what was said here…

A hug shared between Erika Kirk and JD Vance during a public event has ignited widespread discussion, particularly about the nature of their embrace. The incident occurred on October 29, 2025, at the University of Mississippi, where Erika Kirk took on the role of CEO of Turning Point USA following the tragic assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk. This transition marked a significant moment in her life, as she stepped into a position once held by her late husband, a prominent right-wing activist.

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The embrace between Erika and the Vice President, JD Vance, became the focus of a heated debate after it was widely shared online. The moment drew attention due to its extended duration and the seemingly intimate nature of the interaction. Some critics were quick to point out Vance’s hand placement on Erika’s hips, while others noted that she appeared to run her fingers through his hair. These observations sparked accusations of inappropriate behavior, but a lip reader’s interpretation of the moment has shed new light on the situation.

What the lip reader revealed

According to Nicola Hickling, a lip reader who reviewed footage of the moment, the exchange between Erika and JD Vance was rooted in emotional support rather than any inappropriate gesture. Hickling reported that prior to stepping onto the stage, Erika was overheard telling her assistant (per The Mirror US), “I can’t do this, I don’t want to do it. Give me a second.”

After a brief pause, Erika composed herself and proceeded with her speech. When it was time to welcome Vance, the two shared a heartfelt embrace.

The lip reader also noted that Vance said to Erika, “I’m proud of you,” to which she responded, “It’s not gonna bring him back.”

Erika Kirk speaks out following the controversy

In the aftermath of the viral hug, Erika Kirk chose to address the media’s intense scrutiny. During an interview with Fox News, she expressed her frustration over the constant media attention on her personal life.

“There have been cameras all over my husband when he was murdered,” she remarked, “There have been cameras all over my friends and family mourning. There have been cameras all over me, analysing my every move, analysing my every smile, my every tear.”

Despite the controversy surrounding her interaction with Vance, Erika made it clear that she felt entitled to privacy in the wake of such personal tragedy.

The public’s reaction to the hug continues to fuel discussions about the boundaries of grief and the scrutiny placed on public figures, especially in moments of deep emotional vulnerability.