Jennifer Pedranti jumped to son Dawson’s defense after he faced backlash for wearing a Charlie Kirk shirt.
The Real Housewives of Orange County star, 48, took to Instagram on Sunday, April 5, to share a photo from her family’s outing to church on Easter. The snap showed Pedranti posing at the service in a pair of white pants, matching shoes and a long-sleeved blue top. She posed beside Dawson, 19, who coordinated with his mom in white sneakers, blue shorts and a white T-shirt bearing the phrase “Freedom.”
The shirt appeared to be styled after merch from Turning Point USA, the conservative nonprofit organization founded by late right-wing political activist Kirk, who died after he was shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
“Happy Easter,” Pedranti wrote in the caption. “I went to church with the kids this morning (minus Evie, she’s in Hawaii 🌈). Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter! Xoxo 🐰.”
Dawson’s T-shirt stirred up controversy in the comments, as some people criticized the teen for the clothing choice, while others praised him.
“Church and a Freedom Tee. Love it!!!” one user commented.
Pedranti responded, “He wears this T all the time … he’s proud. Happy Easter!🐣.”
Another fan wrote, “Not Charlie Kirk merch,” while a third person added, “Love the Freedom shirt! ❤️🤍💙.”
A fourth fan wrote, “A lot of these comments are gross. Love his shirt, thankful for his service! Happy Easter!”
Dawson joined the U.S. Marine Corps and completed boot camp in late 2025.
“I get a lot of DM’s asking how I’m handling @dawson_pedranti leaving for boot camp, going into the Marines,” Pedranti wrote via Instagram last June. “Honestly, there is no way to put it into words. I know that may sound cliche … but for me there just isn’t.”
The Bravolebrity added that she and fiancé Ryan Boyajian went out for coffee with Dawson before he left, where they had a “normal” conversation and did not discuss anything “serious.”
“When it’s time to go … I can’t let him go. I probably make him (Dawson) stand there and let me hug him way longer … it’s the letting go that is so hard,” Pedranti continued.
“I love this kid so much. I am so proud of him,” she concluded.
Jennifer shares Dawson with ex-husband William Pedranti. The two are also parents of sons Harrison, 22, Greyson, 16, and Dominic, 11, and daughter Everleigh, 13. Jennifer was awarded sole physical custody of their three minor children in September 2025.
