The Rock’s Daughter Under Fire Over Charlie Kirk Posts on Social Media
In the volatile arena of social media, where opinions clash like wrestlers in the ring, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter, Ava Raine, has found herself at the center of a fierce backlash. Just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, the 24-year-old WWE star reposted a pointed message that many interpreted as a veiled jab at the late Turning Point USA founder. The post, shared on her Instagram story, read: “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind things when you’re alive.” Sourced from comedian Gianmarco Soresi, it quickly ignited outrage among Kirk’s supporters, thrusting Raine into a digital storm of criticism, calls for her firing, and even death threats.
Charlie Kirk’s death sent ripples across the political landscape. The 31-year-old firebrand, known for his unyielding advocacy of conservative values, patriotism, and Christian faith, was fatally shot in the neck by 22-year-old Tyler W. Smith during a speech at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump, left behind a wife, Erika, and two young children, along with a legacy that mobilized millions through TPUSA. Tributes poured in from the right, with Trump himself calling Kirk “legendary” and vowing to honor his fight against “woke” culture. Yet, amid the mourning, Raine’s post—made hours after the news broke—struck a nerve. Without naming Kirk directly, it seemed to imply that his controversial rhetoric, often accused of promoting division on issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, had earned him a mixed legacy.
Ava Raine, whose real name is Simone Alexandra Garcia Johnson, doubled down on her stance. In a follow-up X post, she wrote: “And I’ll stand behind this. Be kind, now more than ever.” Far from retracting, she amplified the message, positioning it as a call for empathy in turbulent times. But to Kirk’s fervent followers, it was salt in the wound—a dismissal of a man they revered as a patriot slain for his beliefs. Social media erupted. Hashtags like #FireAvaRaine and #WWEFireAva trended, with users flooding WWE’s mentions demanding action. One viral tweet read: “@WWE You should fire Ava Raine RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!! Complete disgusting and pathetic human being.” Another shared a GIF of The Rock yelling “Shut up b***h” from his wrestling days, tagging Raine mockingly.
The backlash extended beyond fans. Conservative outlets labeled her comments “insensitive,” while others highlighted her “vile” posts, dredging up her past political shares on topics like racial justice and feminism. Some pointed to her “nepo baby” status—leveraging her famous lineage from The Rock, her grandfather Rocky Johnson, and great-grandfather Peter Maivia—as a shield against accountability. Calls intensified for WWE, where Raine serves as NXT General Manager and made her in-ring debut in 2023, to sever ties. “Ava Raine should NOT be in your company’s employ anymore because of her disgusting comments about Charlie Kirk,” one user posted, vowing a boycott. Reports even surfaced of death threats, prompting concerns for her safety.
Raine’s post fits into a broader wave of repercussions following Kirk’s death. She’s not alone in facing fire; a Texas State University student was expelled for mocking his murder at a memorial, and professionals from pilots to NFL staff have been fired or suspended for similar online remarks. The Carolina Panthers’ communications coordinator lost his job after joking about the assassination. In this climate, Raine’s words—though general—were seen as targeted, especially given Kirk’s history of clashing with progressive voices. Critics accused her of hypocrisy, arguing that “kindness now more than ever” rang hollow when aimed at the grieving.
Yet, support for Raine emerged from the left and free-speech advocates. On X, users praised her candor: “Recognizing the cruelties & inhumane behavior of one who has perished is not to rejoice in one’s death… @charliekirk11 was a misogynist, homophobe & racist.” Another defended: “I support Ava Raine’s statement. She speaks the truth. Charlie Kirk was not a nice person so why should we pretend?” Her mother, Dany Garcia, has long championed her daughter’s activism, once praising her role in “fearlessly shaping our futures.” Some argued the post was timeless wisdom, not a eulogy critique, and that backlash exemplified the very division Kirk fueled.
The controversy has inevitably dragged The Rock into the fray. As TKO Group board member and WWE co-owner, Johnson—known for his apolitical public persona—faces indirect scrutiny. Fans speculated if his influence would protect Raine, with one tweeting: “Seems Ava Raine thinks she can say anything she wants without repercussion because her daddy is Dwayne Johnson.” Johnson has remained silent, focusing on projects like his upcoming biopic, but the incident underscores the challenges of family fame in polarized times.
WWE has not commented, and Raine continues her role, but the saga highlights social media’s double-edged sword. In an era where Kirk’s death has polarized discourse—mourners clashing with critics—Raine’s posts remind us that legacy is forged in life, not just death. Whether this derails her career or bolsters her as a bold voice remains unseen. For now, the ring of public opinion rages on, with Raine standing firm amid the fire.
