Jewish Group Denies Candace Owens' Rabbi Bribery Accusations

Far-right commentator Candace Owens accused Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin, founder and chancellor emeritus of Israel-based educational organization Ohr Torah Stone, of attempting to bribe Christian pastors with Bitcoin to criticize her and Tucker Carlson in their sermons. Owens shared what she claimed was an email from Riskin offering $2,500 in Bitcoin to pastors in exchange for delivering messages cautioning against divisive media voices, specifically naming Owens and Carlson. Rabbi Kenneth Brander, president and Rosh Yeshivah of Ohr Torah Stone, strongly denied the allegations, calling them "entirely false, baseless, and defamatory," and stated that neither Riskin nor the organization has ever offered compensation to clergy for political statements. Riskin is noted for his long-standing efforts to build interfaith ties, including founding the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation. The organization called on Owens to retract her claims and issue a formal apology, emphasizing Riskin's respected global reputation and dedication to education and bridge-building. Owens has a history of embracing antisemitic rhetoric and had previously faced backlash from mainstream conservatives.