The tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University has sparked widespread grief and a surge of online tributes. Amid the outpouring of condolences, a purported song by Ed Sheeran titled “Rest in Peace,” dedicated to Kirk, has gone viral, amassing millions of views on platforms like YouTube and social media. Clips feature emotional lyrics about loss, faith, and legacy, leading many to believe the British singer released a heartfelt memorial track in response to the shocking event.
However, investigations into these claims reveal that the song is entirely fabricated. No official release from Sheeran or his label exists, and fact-checking outlets have confirmed the audio as AI-generated deepfakes designed to exploit the tragedy for engagement. As of September 15, 2025, Sheeran has not commented on Kirk’s death, and the viral content stems from opportunistic creators using synthetic voice technology to mimic his style.
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The Origins of the Hoax
The rumor gained traction shortly after Kirk’s death was announced, with the first videos appearing on September 12, 2025. Channels like those posting under titles such as “Ed Sheeran – Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk (2025 Tribute Song)” uploaded AI-crafted tracks blending somber acoustics with lyrics evoking spiritual themes. Some versions falsely claimed collaborations with artists like Adele or Eminem, further fueling the spread across X and Facebook.
Fact-checkers quickly debunked these, noting the absence of any announcement from Sheeran’s team. Outlets like Soap Central and Prime Timer analyzed the audio, identifying telltale signs of AI generation, such as unnatural vocal inflections and generic instrumentation not matching Sheeran’s recent work. Lead Stories confirmed the videos as hoaxes, emphasizing how they prey on public mourning following Kirk’s killing by suspect Tyler Robinson. The incident, which occurred during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” has intensified discussions on political violence, but the fake song adds a layer of misinformation to the narrative.
Ed Sheeran tribute song to Charlie Kirk
😭 pic.twitter.com/WuJLR1wXY2— Dr. C (@OG_DrC) September 14, 2025
By September 15, no new developments have validated the song; instead, authorities continue probing the assassination, with DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene. This hoax highlights the risks of AI in amplifying false narratives during sensitive times.
Purported Lyrics and Their Implications
The fabricated tracks often include lyrics crafted to resonate with Kirk’s conservative Christian audience, portraying him as a martyr. Common verses feature lines like: “In the quiet of the night, your voice still echoes true. A warrior for the light, in everything you do.” The chorus typically repeats: “Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk, your fight goes on in us. Though the world may turn so dark, in heaven you’ll trust.”
Other elements invoke themes of resilience and divine purpose: “You stood against the storm, with faith as your shield. Now angels sing your name, on that eternal field.” These words, while poignant, are algorithmically generated, drawing from standard eulogy tropes without the personal touch of Sheeran’s songwriting.
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The spread of such content raises ethical concerns, as it misleads grieving supporters and dilutes genuine tributes, including those from figures like President Trump. In the context of Kirk’s legacy in mobilizing young conservatives, these fakes underline the need for vigilance against digital deception.
