Following the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month, controversy has emerged around the University of Nebraska volleyball player Harper Murray.
Several screenshots circulating online appear to show Murray interacting with or reposting content that some critics argue mocked Kirk’s passing and insulted his supporters.
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
His death gave rise to widespread mourning and a flood of online reactions. Social media quickly became a place where grief and political tension collided.
Within days, screenshots attributed to Murray started circulating. One shows an Instagram comment accusing her of “liking every hate comment towards your teammate,” suggesting she engaged in online negativity directed at someone connected to her team.
Another appeared to be a Snapchat post in which Murray allegedly wrote, “The urge I have to report so many TikToks, but I go to School in Nebraska, so I know no one will agree with me,” accompanied by emojis often used to convey sarcasm or dismissal.
The most substantial criticism came from a widely shared Facebook post by Emily Margolies, a resident of Ohio, who described herself as deeply disturbed by Murray’s behavior.
She wrote that Murray reposted content “suggesting that those who mourn the death of Kirk are members of the KKK.”
Margolies added,
“This is no longer about freedom of speech,” “This is about morals, respect, and basic humanity. With her influence, Harper has the opportunity to uplift, inspire, and promote unity, yet instead she chooses to use her platform to divide.”
Emily Margolies
Emily also pointed out the public support Murray had received during her own personal struggles, including the loss of her father and other legal troubles.
Her post was shared over 60 times, tagged NCAAWomen’s Volleyball, and questioned why such behavior should be acceptable from someone representing the sport.
Adding to the criticism, Courtney Taylor Whitman, a former Nebraska pageant winner and competitive athlete, shared her own perspective on Facebook.
She explained that when she competed, any public act of disrespect, especially mocking a death, would have carried immediate consequences, such as losing her title or being benched from competition. She added,
“It should go the same way for bigger athletes,” “people are afraid to speak up.” “our God-given purpose is to lead people to Christ.”
Courtney Taylor Whitman
Despite the calls for accountability, Murray has remained silent. She has not apologized, clarified, or addressed the allegations.
Nebraska’s volleyball coaching staff has issued no statement, and Adidas has not confirmed or commented on the reported partnership.
Supporters of Murray argue that the actions fall under freedom of speech and that disciplining her for online behavior risks undermining fundamental rights.
Former Harper Murray, the focus has shifted from her achievements on the court to her conduct off of it.
Until she or the university addresses the situation, the controversy is likely to linger, raising difficult conversations about freedom of expression in college athletics.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Harper Murray, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a junior standout for the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team.
- She burst onto the college scene as the 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player in 2024.
- Before college, she was named the 2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
