Eyewitnesses described the scene as part performance art, part political statement. The small group, reportedly affiliated with a left-leaning media collective, dressed as witches and carried props such as faux cauldrons and brooms. Videos of the protest, uploaded to social media, quickly went viral. The spectacle ignited debate across the political spectrum about whether such demonstrations are harmless satire or a form of harassment. Supporters of Erika and Charlie called the stunt “creepy” and “beyond parody,” while defenders argued it was a tongue-in-cheek response to what they view as extremism.

Erika said in a later interview that while she had encountered protesters before, the “witch stunt” felt more personal and targeted than anything she had seen in her public life. She recalled seeing children in the crowd and feeling disturbed that the imagery of spells and hexes was directed at her family’s event. “It wasn’t about issues anymore — it was about humiliation and intimidation,” she said. Her comments have resonated with conservative audiences who see the incident as an example of how political opposition has evolved into spectacle designed to unsettle and intimidate.

Political analysts note that “performance protests” have become a growing feature of American politics. Costumes, street theater, and memes are now tools to draw clicks and shares, making even small demonstrations feel amplified and ominous. In Erika’s case, the fact that the protest came just days before Charlie’s death has lent the episode an emotional weight it might not otherwise have carried. Although there is no evidence linking the demonstration to his passing, the proximity in time has made the “witch stunt” a touchstone in conversations about the couple’s public life.