Ava Raine, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter, faces criticism and threats for recent comments about Charlie Kirk’s death: “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind words while you’re alive.”
Ava Raine, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter, faces criticism and threats for recent comments about Charlie Kirk’s death: “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind words while you’re alive.”
In the wake of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s unexpected passing on September 10, 2025, social media has erupted into a storm of controversy surrounding a poignant yet provocative remark made by Ava Raine, the 23-year-old daughter of Hollywood icon Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Raine, who has been carving out her own path in the wrestling world under the WWE banner as Ava, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts on legacy and kindness, stating: “If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind words while you’re alive.” What was intended as a general reflection on human decency quickly spiraled into backlash when users began associating it directly with Kirk, whose fiery rhetoric and unapologetic stances on politics and culture had made him a polarizing figure.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent voice in conservative circles, died at the age of 31 from complications related to a long-undisclosed heart condition, according to statements from his organization. His death sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with tributes pouring in from right-wing influencers, Republican leaders, and even some bipartisan figures who acknowledged his impact on youth conservatism. However, Raine’s post, timestamped just hours after the news broke, was interpreted by many as a veiled jab at Kirk’s often combative style. Critics flooded her mentions with accusations of insensitivity, labeling her words as “heartless” and “opportunistic,” especially given her famous lineage and the platform it affords her.
The backlash intensified rapidly. Within minutes of her post going viral, Raine’s X account was inundated with replies ranging from disappointed fans decrying the timing to outright vitriol. One user wrote, “Charlie Kirk dedicated his life to fighting for what he believed in, and this is how you honor the dead? Classless.” Another escalated the rhetoric: “Your dad’s empire won’t protect you from karma, Ava. Watch your back.” While most responses stayed within the bounds of heated debate, a subset veered into threatening territory, with anonymous accounts sending messages alluding to physical harm and doxxing attempts. Raine’s team quickly reported several of these to X’s moderation, but the damage to her online presence was immediate. Her follower count dipped slightly for the first time in months, a stark contrast to her rising star in professional wrestling.
Raine, born Simone Alexandra Johnson, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight, focusing instead on her athletic career. Drafted to WWE’s NXT brand in 2022, she has been praised for her in-ring potential and poise, often drawing comparisons to her grandmother, the late wrestling legend Rocky Johnson—no relation to her father in nomenclature, but a nod to family legacy. Yet, this incident marks a rare foray into public commentary that has now thrust her into the crosshairs of cultural warriors. Supporters of Raine argue that her statement was apolitical, a timeless proverb about reciprocity in life, not a targeted eulogy. “Ava didn’t mention Kirk by name,” one defender posted. “People are projecting their biases onto a simple truth.” They point out that similar sentiments have been echoed by philosophers and public figures for centuries, from the Bible’s Golden Rule to modern self-help gurus.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about the toxicity of online discourse, particularly in the polarized post-2024 election era. Kirk himself was no stranger to controversy; his organization has been accused of promoting divisive narratives on issues like immigration, gender, and education. Detractors often cited his comments as inflammatory, which may explain why some saw Raine’s words as poetic justice. However, the threats she received underscore a darker side: the ease with which grief can morph into harassment. Mental health advocates have called for de-escalation, reminding users that public figures like Raine, still navigating young adulthood, deserve space to err without fear.
Dwayne Johnson, ever the family man, has remained silent on the matter so far, though sources close to the family say he’s supportive of Ava’s right to speak her mind. In a 2023 interview, The Rock emphasized teaching his children resilience amid fame’s glare, a lesson now being tested. As of September 15, 2025, Raine has not deleted the post nor issued an apology, instead liking a few supportive replies. Whether this will define her public image or fade as a fleeting digital dust-up remains to be seen. In an age where every tweet can ignite a firestorm, Raine’s experience serves as a cautionary tale: words, even kind ones, can cut deep when timed poorly.
The wrestling world, too, has weighed in subtly. Fellow WWE stars like Cody Rhodes tweeted general messages of condolences for Kirk’s family, steering clear of the fray. Analysts speculate that WWE management, keen on maintaining a broad appeal, might advise Raine to keep future commentary neutral. Yet, for a performer whose career thrives on storytelling and emotion, authenticity could be her greatest asset—or Achilles’ heel.
As the dust settles, this episode highlights the blurred lines between personal reflection and public perception. Raine’s message, stripped of context, promotes empathy—a value Kirk’s critics say he sometimes lacked. But in death, as in life, interpretations vary wildly. For now, the young wrestler faces a trial by Twitter, emerging either stronger or scarred. Only time, and perhaps her next promo in the ring, will tell.