Daisy Keech Yerger, a popular fitness influencer and co-founder of TikTok’s Hype House, recently faced a significant backlash after she publicly mourned Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated. Sharing various posts, including a touching video of Kirk with his daughter, Yerger expressed her condolences to her 5.1 million Instagram followers. In her post, she labeled the situation as “unfair” and referred to Kirk as an “amazing man” who contributed significantly to the youth of the nation. However, her heartfelt message sparked outrage among many of her followers.
Rather than receiving sympathy in return, Yerger’s followers expressed their discontent through harsh comments. Critics pointedly remarked that her empathy seemed too selective, especially considering her previous silence on major social issues, including the murder of George Floyd and ongoing conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war. Many accused her of being out of touch with reality and suggested that her recent displays of sympathy for Kirk were insincere or opportunistic. As a result, some fans felt compelled to unfollow her, discontented with her perceived hypocrisy and lack of consistent advocacy for various injustices.
In light of the negative reactions, Yerger chose to respond, reiterating her condolences and calling critics “sick.” She emphasized that she avoids political discussions due to their divisive nature, but insisted that rejoicing in someone’s death is profoundly wrong. She urged individuals expressing joy over Kirk’s assassination to seek a higher moral ground, suggesting that they should focus on love and positivity instead of negativity. Yerger also encouraged her detractors to unfollow her if they disagreed with her views rather than engaging in hateful comments.
Despite the criticism, many of Kirk’s supporters rallied behind Yerger’s sentiments, causing a noticeable influx of new followers to her accounts. This support seemed to stabilize her follower count across social media platforms, indicating that for every detractor, there were fans willing to embrace her words. The duality of her situation highlighted the polarized nature of social media discourse, where individuals’ expressions of grief can evoke both support and condemnation.
Yerger’s rise to prominence originated from her association with the Hype House, a social media collective she helped establish in 2019. The Hype House became a beacon of influencer culture, featuring notable figures such as Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae, who have also amassed millions of followers. This groundwork helped her cultivate a substantial platform, allowing her to express her opinions to a vast audience, for better or worse.
As the fallout from Kirk’s death continued, it became apparent that both sides of the spectrum were outspoken. Some critics were swiftly dismissed from their professional roles for making celebratory remarks regarding his assassination, illustrating the volatile intersection of social media, public opinion, and morality. The incident served as a reminder that today’s influencers wield considerable influence, and their words can either unite or divide audiences in profound ways.
