Perez Hilton adds fire to Erika Kirk and JD Vance hug controversy with surprising question (Image via Getty)
Perez Hilton reacted to a new comment made by Erika Kirk about her viral hug with Vice President JD Vance. In his November 25, 2025 story on his website, Perez Hilton wrote about Erika’s joke that she “wouldn’t get as much hate” if she had touched JD Vance’s “a**.” He also added a sharp line of his own: “Did she WANT to do that, though?” This moment became big online because people were already talking about the hug Erika shared with JD Vance at a Turning Point USA event on October 29, only seven weeks after the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk. At that event, Erika hugged Vance onstage, placed her hand on the back of his head, and Vance held her by the waist. Many people online said the hug looked “too close.” Some even zoomed in on their hands and made more rumors. Erika later spoke about this hug during a November 22 live interview with Megyn Kelly, where she explained the full emotional moment. She said the online hate came because people like to twist simple actions. People Magazine also reported on the hug, and the same report noted that Usha Vance, JD Vance’s wife, was seen without her wedding ring on November 19, which made the online gossip grow even more.
Erika Kirk explains the viral hug with Vice President JD Vance
Erika Kirk spoke to Megyn Kelly on November 22 at a live event at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix. She told the crowd that she is a very warm person and said her “love language is touch.” She said she hugs people with care, the same way she hugged JD Vance. She also said she had just watched an emotional video about her late husband, Charlie Kirk, before Vance walked onstage. She said she was crying, and Vance told her, “I’m so proud of you.” Then she said, “God bless you,” and touched the back of his head. She told the crowd that she does this with many people when she hugs them. She also hugged Sergio Gor, her late husband’s close friend, the same way at his swearing-in as the new U.S. Ambassador to India.Perez Hilton wrote that Erika’s public talk did not slow the rumors. He said her comments may have made the story “bigger” and gave the gossip “more credibility.” He also wrote that her touching the back of Vance’s head was “WAY more intimate than expected.”People Magazine added that the hug moment became louder online after Usha Vance was seen without her wedding ring on November 19 during a visit to Camp Lejeune with First Lady Melania Trump. JD Vance has not spoken about the hug. Erika Kirk said Turning Point already plans to support JD Vance if he runs for president in 2028.Also Read: Is Erika Kirk Pregnant? Megyn Kelly Reacts As Erika Says She Prayed For A Baby When Charlie Kirk Was Killed
