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KZN Bed Company Criticised for Ad Mocking Murdered US Activist

KWAZULU-NATAL — 17 September 2025

KwaZulu-Natal furniture retailer Beds2Go faces public backlash over a TikTok advertisement referencing the recent murder of controversial American activist Charlie Kirk.

Kirk was shot dead during an event at a Utah university last week.

Police have arrested Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing (The South African).

The Beds2Go advert featured employees commenting on Kirk’s death. One stated: “Rest in peace to Charlie Kirk…Hate him or love him, a life is a life. But on a more positive note…”.

A second representative added: “Charlie couldnt be saved, but your spine still has a chance”.

Social media reaction was divided, with several users calling the advert insensitive. Zariyha the Queen posted: “I’ve removed all Beds2Go products in my house. You just lost a customer.”

Others echoed criticism, with Martin Koen commenting: “This was too far, guys!” and Charlie Phillips asking: “This is so wrong! How are you still in business?”

Kirk sparked controversy in South Africa after comments on a May podcast where he compared US immigration issues to SA: “I don’t want to live in that country, I don’t want to live in South Africa. I don’t want to live in resentment or bitterness. A country where I have to walk and drive around in armoured cars all the time, and I can’t leave my house after 10 pm”.

He later praised Donald Trump’s meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and expressed concerns about South African farm murders (social media posts).

Beds2Go did not respond to requests for comment about the advert at publication time (no response available).