Erika Kirk may still be processing the death of her husband, but that hasn’t stopped social media from hitting her with yet another wave of criticism. This time, the faith-based influencer is being blamed for a well-known reality star’s dramatic shift in appearance.
Kirk has already been at the center of multiple recent controversies, including a back-and-forth with comedian Druski after he appeared to spoof her in a viral sketch.
Now, her longstanding friendship with “Survivor” star Joe Anglim has resurfaced, with some fans expressing surprise at just how close the two have been over the years. At the same time, others have pointed to the former fan favorite’s noticeably different look, dragging Kirk into the conversation in the process.
‘Survivor’ Alum Joe Anglim Raises Eyebrows With New Look
A recent photo of Anglim has been making the rounds on social media, showing the “Survivor 30, 31, and 38” alum looking noticeably leaner.
The apparent weight loss gives his jawline and cheeks a more defined, angular appearance, a stark contrast to the fuller, more youthful look fans might remember from his time on the show.
In a post on X, a user shared the image alongside the caption: “Joining a cult and becoming bestie with Kirk’s wife makes you look different, I guess.”
The post was met with stunned reactions. “THAT’S JOE???” one user wrote, while another simply added, “WHAT?”
Fans Pull Erika Kirk Into The Conversation
While Anglim is the only person featured in the photo circulating online, fans have still found a way to drag Kirk into the conversation.
Beyond the image of Anglim on his own, users have also been revisiting older photos of the pair, offering their own interpretations of the two celebrities’ appearance and relationship.
On X, one fan pointed out that Kirk herself appears to have changed over the years since some of the resurfaced images were taken.
“She actually looks genuinely cute and happy in these pictures though, not like the demon she looks like now,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, another commenter focused on the reach of Kirk’s network in reality TV circles, writing, “This lady has more connections to reality TV than Vulture recaps.”
Erika Kirk’s Deep Ties To Anglim Resurface
As photos of Erika Kirk and Anglim continue to circulate online, many fans are only now realizing just how close the two have been for years.
In particular, a detail that has surprised many is Kirk’s role as one of Anglim’s groomsmen in the “Survivor” star’s 2019 wedding.
pop culture and reality TV-focused account on X highlighted this connection, writing, “I guess y’all didn’t know this, but Erika Kirk was one of the groomsmen in Joe and Sierra’s wedding. Joe Anglim and Erika Kirk have been close for a very long time.”
Anglim is married to Sierra Dawn Thomas, whom he first met while competing on “Survivor 30.”
Joe Anglim Focuses On Family Life As ‘Survivor’ 50 Airs Without Him
On “Survivor,” Anglim is regarded as one of the most dominant physical competitors. Over the course of his three seasons, he has built a reputation as a “challenge beast,” regularly winning immunity and carrying his tribe in key competitions.
Despite that track record, the former contestant is notably absent from the franchise’s landmark 50th season.
Anglim’s social media presence points to a completely different focus, with most of his recent posts centered on life with his wife and their children.
In an Instagram anniversary post dedicated to Sierra in November, he wrote, “My heart, my eternal, forever and ever amen, I’m thankful for another chapter in our story, no one else I want to do it all with.”
Trump Urges Erika Kirk To Sue Her Critics
For critics of Kirk, things could soon get quite uncomfortable if she decides to take Donald Trump’s latest advice.
Speaking during a White House Easter event, the president encouraged Kirk to pursue legal action against those targeting her.
“I told her, you ought to sue some of these,” Trump said. “They’re so jealous of Erika. ‘I said, ‘You ought to sue their a–s off.’”
Conservative commentator Candace Owens is one figure who has been involved in escalating tensions with Kirk. She has indicated she would welcome a lawsuit following her own conspiracy-driven commentary surrounding the death of Kirk’s husband, Charlie.