The Unlikely Rise of Candace Owens: From Far-Right Figure to Mainstream Sensation

A Surprising New Audience

Dom Bradley, a Kansas City paralegal and self-proclaimed celebrity gossip enthusiast, never expected to find herself captivated by Candace Owens. Bradley, who identifies as politically moderate with liberal leanings, previously dismissed Owens as a controversial far-right figure. Yet, after repeated recommendations on social media regarding Owens's coverage of the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni scandal, Bradley's curiosity won.

What she discovered was a deep dive into the allegations, complete with meticulous analysis of court documents, tabloid reports, and even Ryan Reynolds's SNL appearance. "She's really been able to pinpoint discrepancies in some of the things Blake Lively has said," Bradley noted, acknowledging Owens's perceived pro-Baldoni bias but appreciating her focus on uncovering the truth.

Explosive Growth and Shifting Demographics

Bradley's experience isn't unique. Owens's YouTube channel has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity thanks to her coverage of the Lively-Baldoni case. Millions of views per episode and a rapidly growing subscriber base, now skewing significantly female, demonstrate a reach far beyond her traditional conservative audience.

This newfound success, however, comes despite Owens's unconventional reporting style. While she cites sources and legal filings, she also incorporates social media rumors and tips from her self-proclaimed "mommy sleuths." One example includes an anecdote about Ryan Reynolds's childhood behavior, recounted from an alleged former acting teacher – a story Owens presented as an illuminating "Easter egg," despite its questionable credibility.

Uniting the Left and Right?

Owens's sharp wit and compelling delivery have captivated viewers across the political spectrum. From comedians like Whitney Cummings to right-wing magazines like Evie, her ability to bridge the political divide has become a talking point.

"People everywhere gearing up to listen to Candace Owens for hours on end because while we do not agree with her opinions, we cannot deny that bby grl did the research," one social media influencer quipped.

A Rebrand or a Revelation?

Owens has embraced her new audience, reposting praise from liberal viewers. This, coupled with her recent focus on lifestyle content through her Club Candace platform, has led some to speculate about a potential change of heart. Her seemingly softened image, featuring book clubs and fitness apps, appears far removed from her past inflammatory rhetoric.

Unrepentant and Unchanged

Despite this perception, Owens insists her views remain unchanged. She stands by her past controversial statements, including her denial of police brutality in George Floyd's death and her dismissal of the Holocaust's documented atrocities. She attributes her burgeoning popularity to a growing distrust of mainstream media, believing her new followers are "getting wise" to the supposed lies perpetuated by established news outlets.

"In terms of my perspective, I haven’t changed anything. I’ve been anti–Me Too since long before it was cool," Owens stated in an interview.

Normalization of Extreme Views and the Allure of the Unconventional

Owens's mainstream appeal raises troubling questions about the normalization of far-right ideologies and the public's increasing reliance on unconventional news sources. Attracting viewers like Lilia, a West Virginian beauty influencer who was initially unaware of Owens's political background, highlights a willingness to engage with content regardless of the source's controversial past.

Even those aware of Owens's history, like Bradley, justify their consumption of her content, arguing for the separation of the specific topic from the larger brand.

Building an Empire on Controversy

Owens continues to build her media empire by tackling controversial topics, recently focusing on Harvey Weinstein and the Me Too movement, claiming to have uncovered a "criminal network." Her confidence in her audience's trust and her assertion that she "doesn't lie" further underscores her unique position in today's media landscape.