They lost their jobs after posting about Charlie Kirk, but some have no regrets

Key Points:

• Gerald Bourguet lost his job and faced threats after posting critical comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk shortly after Kirk's assassination in September 2025, leading Bourguet and his family to relocate for safety.
• Hundreds of people across the US were fired or disciplined for expressing critical views of Kirk following his death, with employers responding to public and political pressure to punish such comments.
• Several lawsuits have been filed by those terminated over their Kirk-related remarks, resulting in substantial settlements and some reinstatements, though many affected individuals feel justice remains incomplete.
• The controversy highlighted tensions around free speech, cancel culture, and political polarization, with some officials urging employers to take action against critics of Kirk, while others defended the right to express dissenting opinions.
• Despite the personal and professional hardships, Bourguet and others maintain they do not regret their statements, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against what they view as hateful political messages.