Dave Chappelle Faces Backlash for Comments Regarding Charlie Kirk Death

Comedian Dave Chappelle drew intense criticism after telling a sold-out New York crowd that he feels better following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The remarks came Saturday night during a performance at Madison Square Garden on his Karmageddon tour. Although organizers intended the event to be phone-free, leaked video clips quickly circulated on social media platforms.

“Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered — and I shouldn’t say this publicly — but I feel better,” Chappelle said in one widely shared clip posted to X. He added that he knew he shouldn’t voice the thought, but described it as an involuntary feeling.

British broadcaster Piers Morgan called the statement disgusting on X. Morgan added that the remark was especially egregious because Chappelle himself survived an attack on stage in 2022.

Representatives for the comedian did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Elon Musk also criticized the remarks on X, writing, “Shame, shame, shame on Chappelle.” Musk highlighted how Kirk had previously defended Chappelle following the 2022 stage attack.

Commentator Tim Pool wrote online that Chappelle had crossed a line he cannot return from. Meanwhile, Erika Kirk appeared to respond to the mounting jokes across the entertainment industry regarding her late husband.

In a statement posted to X, Erika Kirk called it beyond disgusting to see leftist podcasters, comedians, and commentators laugh about political assassination as entertainment. She stated that a culture laughing at assassination suffers from profound moral decay.

Chappelle is not the only public figure facing scrutiny over jokes related to Kirk’s death. The hosts of the I’ve Had It podcast apologized after laughing at a social media quip about Kirk during an episode recapping midterm election jokes.

Charlie Kirk founded the conservative political organization Turning Point USA. He was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a college event at Utah Valley University in Utah.

Authorities charged Tyler Robinson of Utah in connection with the killing.