During a recent stand-up performance in New York City, comedian Dave Chappelle faced backlash after comments regarding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The remarks, made during his “Karmageddon” tour at Madison Square Garden, quickly sparked outrage on social media.
Despite cell phone restrictions at the show, video clips circulated online showing Chappelle speaking about feeling inexplicably uplifted following Kirk’s death. “I feel f—– up saying this,” Chappelle admitted. He continued, “It’s scary being a public speaker. Ever since that guy, Charlie Kirk, got murdered, and I shouldn’t say this publicly, but, I just feel better.”
The reaction to Chappelle’s comments was swift. Erika Kirk, wife of the late Charlie Kirk, expressed her indignation, describing the joke as “disgusting.” She articulated her concerns about a culture that trivializes the destruction of human life. “A culture that laughs at assassination is one of profound moral decay,” she stated. “This should not be so hard.”
Many notable figures criticized Chappelle. Elon Musk posted “Shame, shame, shame on Chappelle.” Benny Johnson and Meghan McCain also voiced their disapproval. Former communications director Katie Miller questioned whether Live Nation, the tour’s ticket seller, condoned such remarks. Journalist Piers Morgan highlighted the irony given Chappelle’s own survival of an on-stage attack in 2022.
Charlie Kirk, who was murdered at a TPUSA event in Orem, Utah, had previously shown support for Chappelle after his attack. Despite this, many found Chappelle’s jokes particularly egregious. Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter of Kirk, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Chappelle is no stranger to controversy. His jokes about sensitive topics, including transgender issues in his 2021 Netflix special “The Closer,” have drawn criticism and resulted in protests. Kirk’s death has also become a subject for other comedians. Pete Davidson and Michael Che have faced backlash for joking about the incident in their performances.
Fox News Digital requested comments from Chappelle’s representatives and Madison Square Garden but has not received a response.
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