Erika Kirk Responds
Erika Kirk condemned public jokes about political assassination as “beyond disgusting” in a statement posted to X on Sunday, responding to remarks made by comedian Dave Chappelle and other media figures regarding her late husband, Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
“To see leftist podcasters, comedians, and commentators laugh about political assassination as though it’s entertainment and the destruction of a human life is a punchline, is beyond disgusting,” Erika Kirk wrote. She added that her family will live with the impact of the September 2025 shooting every day.
To see leftist podcasters, comedians, and commentators laugh about political assassination as though it’s entertainment and the destruction of a human life is a punchline, is beyond disgusting. My husband, Charlie Kirk, was killed in an act of political violence, something our…
Madison Square Garden Set
The backlash follows a weekend appearance by Dave Chappelle at Madison Square Garden to close his Karmageddon Tour, where audience footage circulated of the comedian discussing his reaction to the activist’s death. “Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered, and I shouldn’t say this publicly, but I feel better,” Chappelle told the crowd.
The Madison Square Garden performance was advertised as a phone-free event requiring attendees to secure their devices in Yondr pouches. Because of this policy, the verified circulation of the clip remains limited, and the exact context of what came before and after the remarks is not entirely clear from the short video.
Dave Chappelle at Madison Square Garden Last Night: "Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered… I feel better." pic.twitter.com/aH9yJ8bTPf
Podcaster Apologies Issued
In addition to the stand-up routine, podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan of “I’ve Had It” faced public criticism after laughing at a joke about Charlie Kirk during their Thursday program. The co-hosts released a joint statement on Saturday offering an apology and announcing a financial contribution to Everytown for Gun Safety.
“On Thursday’s show, we laughed at a joke about Charlie Kirk,” Welch and Sullivan stated on Instagram. “It was an insensitive joke, and we should not have laughed. We regret it, and we apologize.”
"I'm so happy Charlie Kirk was killed. I can't help it, it's involuntary." -Dave Chappelle tonight at Madison Square Garden
Legal Proceedings Underway
Charlie Kirk died at age 31 after being shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking on stage during a college event at Utah Valley University. Tyler James Robinson was charged with aggravated murder in connection with the shooting, and Robinson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A representative for Chappelle has not responded to requests for comment regarding the Madison Square Garden performance. Meanwhile, Erika Kirk’s public statement emphasized that political violence remains a threat to democratic institutions.
Questions About Charlie Kirk's Death and Reactions
When did Charlie Kirk pass away?
Charlie Kirk died on September 10, 2025, after being shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University.
What did Dave Chappelle say during his performance?
Chappelle told a Madison Square Garden audience that he felt better since the activist was murdered, prefacing the remarks by stating it was scary being a public speaker.
How did podcasters Jennifer Welch and Sullivan respond to criticism?
The “I’ve Had It” co-hosts published an apology on Instagram on Saturday and donated to Everytown for Gun Safety after laughing at an insensitive joke on their show.
What legal status does the criminal case hold?
Tyler James Robinson faces an aggravated murder charge for the Utah shooting and has pleaded not guilty, with court proceedings continuing.
Dave Chappelle's sick 'joke' about Charlie Kirk's assassination has sparked fierce backlash. "I feel f—ed up saying this. It's scary being a public speaker. And I mean, look, ever since that guy, Charlie Kirk, got murdered, and I shouldn't say this publicly, but, I feel… pic.twitter.com/5iTwDW2HP6″
More on Charlie Kirk
ERIKA KIRK CALLS OUT DAVE CHAPPELLE AND LEFTIST COMEDIANS FOR LAUGHING AT HER HUSBAND’S MURDER Erika Kirk issued a clear statement after comedian Dave Chappelle told a Madison Square Garden crowd he feels better since her husband Charlie Kirk was assassinated in 2025. She said,…
🚨 Erika Kirk responds: "To see leftist podcasters, comedians, and commentators laugh about political assassination as though it's entertainment and the destruction of a human life is a punchline, is beyond disgusting." 👇🏾 Chappelle "feels better." Charlie had his back in 2022.… pic.twitter.com/udmNIJDQgQ
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