Dave Chappelle comment about Charlie Kirk's death sparks backlash
Los Angeles Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Comedian Dave Chappelle faced backlash after saying he “feels better” following the 2025 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a show at Madison Square Garden, with critics calling the remark inappropriate and insensitive.
- Other public figures, including podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan and comedian Michael Che, also drew criticism for making jokes about Kirk’s murder, leading to apologies and loss of sponsorships for the podcast.
- Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, condemned the jokes on social media, calling the culture of laughing at political assassination “beyond disgusting” and warning it threatens the foundation of democracy.
- Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in September 2025 at a college event in Utah, and Tyler Robinson has been charged in connection with the killing.
