Kate Johnson Claps Back: Defending Benny Amid “Beard” Rumors

In a series of pointed social media exchanges this week, Kate Johnson, wife of conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, aggressively shut down online trolls questioning her husband’s sexuality. The “posting rampage,” first highlighted by The Bulwark, follows a Valentine’s Day tribute that became a battleground for long-standing rumors involving the host of The Benny Show.

The 38-year-old nurse and advocate for the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) agenda has taken a “no-prisoners” approach to the comments, which have recently been fueled by resurfaced allegations and a looming legal threat against Milo Yiannopoulos.

The Valentine’s Day Face-Off

The friction began on Saturday, February 14, 2026, when Benny Johnson posted a photo of the couple on a “rare date night.”

• The “Beard” Accusations: Trolls quickly filled the comments with claims that Kate serves as a “beard” (a slang term for a woman who marries a gay man to provide social cover).
• Kate’s Response: Replying to one user who called her marriage a “flex for a beard,” Kate fired back: “What’s it like for you being a moron?”
• The Rare Date Night: When questioned why their outings were so infrequent, she cited the reality of their large family: “Having 4 kids 5 and younger makes it difficult… Hope that helps.”

Baby Number Five and the “Gay Dude” Comments

On Sunday, February 15, Kate revealed that she and Benny are expecting their fifth child. The joyous announcement was immediately met with a comment stating, “Not bad for a gay dude.”

Kate’s response was swift and suggested a coordinated effort behind the trolling: “How much were you paid to post this?” This aligns with Benny’s own assertions that the rumors are part of a targeted “smear campaign” by political rivals.

The Milo Yiannopoulos Legal Threat

Central to the recent surge in rumors is a public feud with far-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos, who has repeatedly claimed in podcast appearances that Johnson is closeted.

• The Demand Letter: In December 2025, Benny Johnson issued a formal threat to sue Yiannopoulos for defamation, stating he was “duty-bound” to protect his family.
• The “Discovery” Warning: Yiannopoulos has remained defiant, warning that a lawsuit would lead to “discovery”—a legal process where private communications and records are shared—which he claims would “destroy” Johnson’s career.
• Current Legal Status: As of February 18, 2026, no formal lawsuit has been filed in federal or state court, leading some critics to suggest the threat was purely for public relations.

Who is Kate Johnson?

While Benny is a high-profile Turning Point USA contributor, Kate has built her own following within the “MAHA” movement popularized by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.