In a lighthearted yet unexpected moment during a recent interview, comedian Theo Von made a remark that left both his guest and his audience momentarily stunned. While speaking with conservative commentator Candace Owens on his podcast, Von pointed out what he perceived as a resemblance between Owens’ young daughter and UFC fighter Anthony Smith.
“She looks like Anthony Smith, who is one of the greatest UFC fighters,” Von said, quickly adding, “also a very handsome guy.” His observation was met with an immediate realization that such a comment might not be well-received. “I shouldn’t say that cuz she’s gonna get upset,” he backtracked before diplomatically concluding, “You have a beautiful family.”
Von’s trademark blend of spontaneity and self-awareness was on full display in this exchange. His ability to push the boundaries of humor while simultaneously acknowledging the potential for offense is part of what makes his podcast so engaging. This moment with Owens was no exception, as he deftly maneuvered from an offbeat comparison to a graceful recovery.
Anthony Smith, a well-respected contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, has built a reputation for resilience and skill inside the octagon. While the comparison itself was clearly meant in jest, it’s easy to see why Von quickly tried to smooth things over—comparing someone’s child to a professional cage fighter isn’t exactly the usual compliment.
This exchange was just one of several headline-grabbing moments from Owens’ appearance on This Past Weekend. The conservative commentator, known for her strong and often controversial opinions, touched on a range of topics throughout the interview, including her theories on geographic origin influencing temperature preferences and even her claims about Vice President Kamala Harris’ heritage.
Owens shared her belief that a person’s ancestry determines their ability to tolerate certain climates, claiming that she naturally prefers warmer temperatures due to her Caribbean heritage. “We like the heat, like our natural habitat is warm,” she explained, contrasting this with her redheaded staff member’s preference for cooler environments. “I have to tell them like you know some of you are Nordic…you’re from the Nordic countries that’s why you feel this way.”
Taking her theory a step further, Owens suggested that these differences in climate preference also impact workplace productivity. Using her British husband as an example, she noted that he remains “super productive” even through extended periods of gray, rainy weather—something she personally finds stifling. While her perspective fits into her broader views on cultural and geographical influences, such claims lack scientific backing. Nonetheless, the discussion provided another example of how Owens’ statements often spark both intrigue and controversy.
Perhaps the most provocative claim from the interview, however, came when Owens questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. Owens stated that through her own research, she concluded that Harris has “no black ancestry at all,” instead alleging that Harris is of Indian, Syrian Jewish, and Irish descent.
Owens recounted how she investigated Harris’ background, particularly a photograph Harris included in her book that purportedly showed her grandmother. According to Owens, Harris’ uncle denied that the person in the photograph was related to their family. She claimed that Harris “was running as a first black person” but that this characterization was “completely crazy” given her actual heritage, according to her findings. While Owens’ claims have not been independently verified, they certainly reinforced her reputation for making bold and contentious statements.
While the moment with Owens’ daughter and Anthony Smith may have been the most unexpected part of the discussion, it was just one example of how Von’s podcast creates an environment where even the most unpredictable topics can emerge. Whether discussing lighthearted personal observations or engaging in heated debates about race and culture, Owens’ appearance on This Past Weekend certainly left its mark.
