Conservative circles erupted Monday night after billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman used his X account to push back against explosive claims by commentator Candace Owens. At the heart of the firestorm are allegations that Ackman — and, by extension, The Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon — attempted to pressure Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk over his views on Israel during a private Hamptons gathering in the summer of 2024.

Ackman acknowledged hosting the August 4–5 event in Bridgehampton, New York, but denied any suggestion of interference. He described the gathering, which brought together about 35 young conservative influencers with a combined audience of over 100 million followers, as a forum for dialogue on economics, foreign policy, and leadership. According to Ackman, he moderated only the economic discussions and missed the Israel session due to a board meeting, making it “impossible” for him to have influenced Kirk’s perspective.

Owens, however, tells a much different story. In a viral six-minute video that has already surpassed 1.2 million views, she alleges that Ackman orchestrated a tense “intervention” targeting Kirk’s shifting stance on Israel. She went further, accusing Dillon of being present during the meeting, though Dillon has yet to comment publicly.

Owens claims Kirk was pressured with veiled threats and even offered “a significant amount of money” to align with pro-Israel positions. She also alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally reached out to Kirk, inviting him on a trip she characterized as a “re-education camp.” Kirk, she insists, declined.

JUST IN: Candace Owens claims "threats were made" to Charlie Kirk during an intense "intervention" with Bill Ackman in the Hamptons weeks ago.

Owens claims Kirk was having a change of heart on Israel before his death and says he was contacted by Bibi Netanyahu.

"I know that… pic.twitter.com/fIwxnI2Km1

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 15, 2025

Ackman, for his part, insists the gathering was never about political coercion, calling the accusations “false and exploitative,” particularly in the wake of Kirk’s assassination. He stressed that the event stemmed from a Zoom call with Kirk in June 2024, where the idea of creating space for young conservatives to voice their concerns first took shape.

Critics have been quick to note Owens’ history of inflammatory remarks and anti-Jewish rhetoric, as well as her ongoing legal entanglements, including a defamation case brought against her by French President Emmanuel Macron. Some observers argue that her latest claims are part of a broader pattern of sensationalism, while others have suggested Ackman could sue her for defamation.

The controversy has placed Seth Dillon in an awkward position. Though Owens named him directly, he has so far remained silent — a silence many see as fueling speculation about his role, or lack thereof, in the alleged Hamptons episode.

This afternoon @RealCandaceO slandered me by accusing me of 'staging an intervention' with Charlie Kirk in which 'threats were made' with respect to his supposed 'evolving stance' on Israel at an event I hosted in the Hamptons. Candace also intimated that I 'blackmail[ed]'… https://t.co/mL6pajoX76

— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) September 16, 2025

As the debate intensifies online, the clash illustrates the growing fractures within the conservative movement, where influence, loyalty, and questions about Israel’s role in U.S. politics have become flashpoints. With Owens standing by her claims and Ackman openly rejecting them, Dillon may find himself forced to break his silence sooner rather than later.

Bill Ackman vs Candace Owens Controversy: FAQs 

1. What is the Bill Ackman and Candace Owens controversy about?

The controversy erupted after Candace Owens accused Bill Ackman of pressuring Charlie Kirk over his stance on Israel during a private Hamptons gathering in August 2024. Ackman denies the allegations, calling them false and exploitative.

2. What did Candace Owens allege about Bill Ackman?

Owens claimed that Ackman orchestrated an “intervention” targeting Charlie Kirk’s views on Israel. She alleged that Kirk was pressured with veiled threats, offered money to align with pro-Israel positions, and even invited by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a trip she called a “re-education camp.”

3. How did Bill Ackman respond to Candace Owens’ claims?

Bill Ackman admitted hosting the Bridgehampton gathering of conservative influencers but denied Owens’ claims. He said he moderated only economic discussions, missed the Israel session due to a board meeting, and insisted it was “impossible” for him to have influenced Kirk’s views.

4. Was Seth Dillon of The Babylon Bee involved?

Candace Owens alleged that Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, was present during the alleged “intervention.” However, Dillon has not commented publicly, and his silence has fueled speculation about his role.

5. What was the purpose of the Hamptons gathering?

According to Ackman, the event — held on August 4–5, 2024 — brought together about 35 young conservative influencers with a combined reach of over 100 million followers. It was intended as a forum to discuss economics, foreign policy, and leadership, not to push political coercion.

6. What role did Charlie Kirk play in the controversy?

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, is at the center of the allegations. Owens claims he resisted pressure to change his views on Israel, while Ackman insists no such pressure campaign occurred. The controversy gained more attention following Kirk’s tragic assassination in 2025.

7. Why is Candace Owens being criticized over her claims?

Critics highlight Owens’ history of inflammatory remarks and accusations of anti-Jewish rhetoric, as well as her ongoing defamation case with French President Emmanuel Macron. Many see her latest claims against Ackman as part of a broader pattern of sensationalism.

8. Could Bill Ackman sue Candace Owens for defamation?

Legal experts suggest Ackman could potentially pursue a defamation lawsuit if Owens’ allegations are proven false and damaging. However, no lawsuit has been filed as of now.

9. How does this controversy affect conservative politics?

The clash underscores growing fractures within the conservative movement, particularly around loyalty, influence, and Israel’s role in U.S. politics. It has sparked fierce debate among right-wing commentators and influencers.

10. What happens next in the Bill Ackman–Candace Owens saga?

With Ackman strongly denying the claims and Owens doubling down, the spotlight may now shift to Seth Dillon, who could be forced to break his silence. Meanwhile, the conservative movement faces deeper divides over the role of Israel and billionaire influence.

Who is Seth Dillon?

Seth Dillon is an American media entrepreneur, writer, and speaker best known as the CEO of The Babylon Bee, a conservative Christian satire website that has become one of the most recognizable outlets in U.S. political humor. Born on January 5, 1983, Dillon grew up in Washington, D.C., in a Christian household alongside his brother Dan, and later attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. His upbringing in a faith-driven environment and his early interest in culture and communication would go on to shape the trajectory of his career.

Dillon became involved with The Babylon Bee after its original founder, Adam Ford, launched the site in 2016. In late 2018, Dillon acquired the platform and assumed the role of CEO, overseeing its rapid expansion. Under his leadership, the Bee has become a dominant voice in conservative satire, publishing viral headlines and articles that parody politics, culture, religion, and media narratives. Dillon also co-founded Not the Bee in 2020 with Adam Ford and his brother Dan. Unlike the Bee, which is strictly satirical, Not the Bee focuses on real but often absurd news stories, offering conservative commentary with the same humorous edge.

Beyond his work running satire platforms, Dillon has emerged as a strong advocate for free speech and has been outspoken against Big Tech censorship. He frequently criticizes social media companies and fact-checking organizations for targeting satire and conservative voices, arguing that satire should not be subject to the same scrutiny as traditional news. His views on censorship and the role of humor in public discourse have made him a popular guest on podcasts, college campuses, and at conservative conferences.

Living in Juno Beach, Florida, with his wife Tara and their two sons, Dillon remains deeply committed to Christian values, which influence both his personal life and professional endeavors. His leadership style at The Babylon Bee reflects a belief in using humor not only to entertain but also to challenge prevailing cultural and political trends. Critics accuse him of pushing partisan narratives under the guise of satire, while supporters view him as a cultural warrior defending free expression against increasingly restrictive norms.

Financially, Dillon has also benefitted from the Bee’s growth and related ventures. Various reports estimate his net worth between $5 million and $7 million as of 2025, largely attributed to his media ventures, speaking engagements, and business investments. Under his direction, The Babylon Bee has expanded its reach to millions of readers and followers, carving out an influential niche in conservative media.

Today, Seth Dillon stands as both a media innovator and a lightning rod for controversy. His work at the intersection of comedy, faith, and politics continues to attract attention, particularly as debates over censorship, satire, and ideological divides intensify. Whether praised as a defender of free speech or criticized for weaponizing humor in America’s culture wars, Dillon remains one of the most intriguing and talked-about figures in conservative media.