'I can't do this': Lip reader decodes what Erika Kirk said before controversial intimate hug with JD Vance

A noted lip reader has analyzed footage of the moment Erika Kirk shared a controversial hug with US Vice President JD Vance, revealing what she appeared to say just before the intimate embrace. Erika, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, shared a warm on-stage bear hug with Vance, at the Turning Point USA event in Mississippi on October 29, which quickly went viral.

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Erika was spotted wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with the word 'Freedom', paired with sleek black leather pants, while Vance opted for a classic blue suit. The on-stage hug between the two quickly drew attention online, with many on X, formerly Twitter, remarking that the moment appeared 'intimate', especially as Erika was seen placing her hands gently on Vance’s head during the embrace.




Social media users speculated about the nature of the interaction, though neither Kirk nor Vance has commented publicly on the incident or the interpretations circulating online.



ALSO READ: Widow explains the mystery behind Erika Kirk’s viral hug with JD Vance

WHAT ERIKA KIRK SAID BEFORE TAKING THE STAGE

Lip reader Nicola Hickling, while speaking exclusively to Mirror US, revealed what Erika said before stepping onto the stage in a behind-the-scenes clip.

"I can’t do this, I don’t want to do it,” she allegedly told her assistant, before saying, “Give me a second.”

After regaining her composure to take the stage and deliver heartfelt remarks about her husband, Kirk hugged Vance, who was heard saying, “I’m proud of you.”

ERIKA SEES SOME SIMILARITIES OF CHARLIE IN VANCE

Erika , who has taken the place of Charlie as Turning Point CEO following his assassination on September 10, said there were many similarities between her late husband and JD Vance during the event.

"No one will ever replace my husband," she told the crowd. "But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD - in Vice President JD Vance. I do. And that's why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight."