Candace Owens challenges Ben Shapiro to debate on Israel-Hamas war and antisemitism definition, Internet says ‘just move on’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Political commentator Candace Owens has stirred up a controversy by challenging Ben Shapiro to a debate on the Israel-Hamas conflict and antisemitism. But her bold move hasn't been received well by many on social media, who've criticized her for being "immature".

Owens recently left the Daily Wire, a platform co-founded by conservative commentator Shapiro. While rumors suggested her departure was sparked by disagreements over Israel, Shapiro has since denied these claims, stating there were other factors at play in Owens' exit from the network.

Candace Owens challenges Ben Shapiro to debate on Israel-Hamas war

According to the Jerusalem Post, Owens took to social media, specifically X (formerly known as Twitter), on Friday, April 5, to challenge her former colleague from the Daily Wire.

She wrote, "I would like to debate Ben Shapiro on Israel and the *current* definition of antisemitism. Can somebody make that happen?"

Owens left the Daily Wire approximately two weeks ago after a three-year stint. Many speculate her departure was spurred by her contentious views on Israel. Shapiro himself had criticized Owens' stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in November 2023.

Alongside her challenge, Owens shared a video by comedian Andrew Schultz, who claimed she was a superior debater to Shapiro, suggesting he only sparred with inexperienced opponents.

Shapiro accepted the challenge on X, proposing "Sure, Candace. I texted you on February 29th offering this very thing. Let's do it on my show this Monday at 5pm at our studios in Nashville; 90 minutes, live-streamed."

However, Owens preferred a neutral platform, stating, "I’m sure you can appreciate why I’d prefer to keep this off the Daily Wire platform— as well as the true reason why we were never able to make any discussion happen. Let’s choose a neutral, trustworthy platform."

Shapiro shot back, writing, "Candace, I can see why you'd want to hide behind a moderator -- particularly one who said we should rename our company the "Daily Jewish Wire" just yesterday. No. One on one. Monday at 5 PM. We can sit down and have a healthy debate like adults, and we'll live-stream it on X and YouTube. Take it or leave it. As to the "true reason" you didn't respond to my offer to sit down with you and discuss these issues publicly or privately back in February, I have no idea what the hell you're talking about."

Internet says Candace Owens is playing 'victim'

Many social media users criticized Candace Owens after she challenged Ben Shapiro to a debate.

A user on X called out Owens and wrote, "Are you 18? Then it’s not going to happen."

Another user wrote, "Ben Shapiro would trash you and I would pay to see it!"

A user commented, "I like you a lot, but you should just move on."

Another user commented, "Honestly, no one cares that you two are arguing but you two. Take it in your DMs."

A user stated, "I love how Candace manages to always play victim."

Another user stated, "I used to like you. No more. Ben may be extreme in some things but so are you. And you are know it all. Just done with you Candace."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.