Comedian Dave Chappelle Faces Backlash Over Remarks Regarding Charlie Kirk's Death
Comedian Dave Chappelle has drawn widespread criticism on social media after reportedly making remarks about the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a New York City performance.
Comedian Dave Chappelle has drawn widespread criticism on social media after reportedly making remarks about the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a New York City performance.
The story
Comedian Dave Chappelle drew significant online criticism following a stand-up performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday night. During his "Karmageddon" tour stop, a video circulating on social media captured Chappelle appearing to make comments about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Despite rules barring cell phones from the venue, footage showed the comedian addressing the audience. According to the video, Chappelle stated that he felt "better" following the killing of Kirk, adding that while he knew he should not say it publicly, it was an emotional reaction he experienced while driving.
The remarks prompted immediate pushback across social media platforms from public figures and commentators. Erika Kirk released a statement on X condemning the treatment of human life as a punchline, describing a culture that laughs at assassination as one of profound moral decay and stating that individuals do not have to agree politically to recognize the value of a life.
Other public figures also criticized the comedian on X.
Other public figures also criticized the comedian on X. Elon Musk posted, "Shame, shame, shame on Chappelle," while podcast host Benny Johnson described the remarks as sick, and political commentator Meghan McCain questioned the comments. Journalist Piers Morgan noted that the remarks were especially egregious given that Chappelle himself survived a stage attack in 2022, an incident for which Kirk had previously expressed support.
Charlie Kirk was killed at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges filed against him, and a trial date has not yet been set.
Kirk's killing has been referenced in the routines of other comedians as well, drawing varying degrees of backlash. Pete Davidson faced criticism for a remark during a Netflix roast, and "Saturday Night Live" co-anchor Michael Che included a joke about the killing in a Netflix special.
This report presents the named publisher’s account and has not yet been independently corroborated.
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