- According to a report by journalist Glenn Greenwald on the platform Locals, the right-leaning media outlet The Daily Wire has obtained a gag order against former host Candace Owens, who left the company in March. New York Post (LR: 5 CP: 5)
- The Daily Wire reportedly obtained the order after accusing Owens of violating a contractual "non-disparagement clause," citing her public offer to debate former colleague Ben Shapiro and saying she "liked" several X posts criticizing the company. SCNR
- The order bars Owens from calling for a debate, suggesting such a debate would expose the company's "priorities," or uttering any further disparaging comments about the company. Daily Caller (LR: 5 CP: 4)
- Both Shapiro and Daily Wire CEO Jeremy Boreing had publicly agreed to debate on "Israel and the current definition of antisemitism." The pair have also done interviews since Owens' departure appearing to insinuate she was fired for alleged antisemitic remarks. SCNR
- Before leaving the company, Owens tweeted criticism of Israel's response to the Oct. 7 attack, including calling it a "genocide." In response, Boreing said the company would not fire her for her opinions, but, according to Greenwald, that was the eventual reason. New York Post (LR: 5 CP: 5)
- Boreing called the report "inaccurate to the point of being false," though Greenwald said the CEO did not point out any specific examples. Owens responded that she could "neither confirm nor deny" the existence of a gag order. Daily Caller (LR: 5 CP: 4)
Narrative A:
- The company that built its brand on promoting free speech and debate has, through a secret arbitration hearing, shielded itself from having to engage in free speech and debate. They fired one of their most popular hosts over a disagreement on Israel, but they then publicly accepted the debate, and now they're legally muzzling Owens so she can't expose their fraudulent enterprise.
GREENWALD.LOCALS.COM
Narrative B:
- As Candace Owens has gained more notoriety, she's decided to use her platform to defend virulent antisemites like Kanye West, blame Israel for defending itself, and direct antisemitic dog whistles — such as 'Christ is King' — at Ben Shapiro when he calls her out online. Owens' career has been built on bullying racial and religious groups rather than thoughtful, intellectual commentary.
COMMENTARY MAGAZINE