Overview
- The Sept. 8 Jezebel piece described paying Etsy sellers for hexes — including a “MAKE EVERYONE HATE HIM” spell and a “POWERFUL HEX SPELL” — and showed “proof of cast” such as a burning photograph.
- Hours after the Sept. 10 shooting, the story was updated with an editor’s note condemning the attack and the byline was changed to “Jezebel,” with replies restricted on the outlet’s original post sharing the article.
- Paste Media Group president Josh Jackson told Variety the piece was a tongue‑in‑cheek exploration of online hexes and said the company condemns political violence.
- The timing triggered a surge of online memes and debate, and a self‑described Etsy witch known as Priestess Lilin told reporters she would not claim literal responsibility but called her magic “effective.”
- Law enforcement continues to investigate the campus shooting in Orem, Utah, with previously detained individuals released and authorities seeking tips as the manhunt and forensic work proceed.