The reverse victimisation of Charlie Kirk – from propagandist to martyr

In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Donald Trump, J D Vance and other prominent figures of the American right were quick to proclaim him a conservative martyr, the victim of cancel culture and woke prosecution. In the UK, Tommy Robinson used Kirk’s legacy to mobilise his “Unite the Kingdom march”. Lilie Chouliaraki argues that the creation of Charlie Kirk as a totemic figure of the far right is a classic example of the recasting of those with power and influence as victims.