Comedian Dave Chappelle drew intense public backlash after telling a Madison Square Garden audience that he feels better
following the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Madison Square Garden Remarks Spark Online Outrage
During his Karmageddon tour stop in New York City, Chappelle addressed a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 7, according to coverage from the Los Angeles Times. Although the venue enforces a strict phone-free policy requiring devices to be locked away in Yondr pouches, leaked video footage quickly circulated on social media platforms.
We do not condone violence of any kind, and we are no longer sponsors of this podcast.
— Post by @CashApp on X
I feel f—ed up saying this. It’s scary being a public speaker,
Chappelle told the audience, as reported by The Hill, according to Thehill. Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered — and I shouldn’t say this publicly — but, I feel better.
The comedian acknowledged the sensitive nature of the topic before continuing. I know I shouldn’t say that, but it’s just a feeling. I didn’t ask to feel this way,
he said, according to 7NEWS.
Erika Kirk Condemns Celebration of Political Violence
Erika Kirk responded to the remarks and other recent comments making light of her husband’s death with a public statement posted to X on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as detailed by Hindustan Times.
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, via Hindustan Times
Erika Kirk noted the ongoing personal toll of the tragedy. My husband, Charlie Kirk, was killed in an act of political violence, something our two children and I will live with every day for the rest of our lives,
she wrote, according to Us Weekly.
A culture that laughs at assassination is one of profound moral decay. It threatens the very foundation of our country and the principles that hold our democracy together. You do not have to agree with someone’s politics to recognize the value of their life. This should not be so hard. Political violence must never be something this country tolerates, excuses, or celebrates.
Erika Kirk, via Us Weekly
Public Figures and Media Reactions
The remarks drew sharp criticism from prominent public figures across media platforms. British broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X that the comments were especially egregious given that Chappelle himself survived an attack on stage in 2022,
as noted by Yahoo. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also condemned the performance, posting Shame, shame, shame on Chappelle
on X, according to 7NEWS.
Commentators and podcasters also weighed in on the controversy. Podcaster Benny Johnson called the joke just sick, while Alec Lace called the comedian a scumbag, according to The Independent.
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…
— Post by @MrsErikaKirk on X
Supporters of Charlie Kirk quickly highlighted an old post on X where Kirk had condemned an armed attack against Chappelle during his May 3, 2022, performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as reported by Hindustan Times. At that time, Kirk criticized local prosecutors for declining felony charges against the assailant, writing that the decision sent a dangerous message regarding political violence.
Wider Scrutiny Over Comments on Turning Point USA Founder
Chappelle is not the only media figure to face repercussions over remarks concerning Charlie Kirk, who co-founded the conservative organization Turning Point USA and was fatally shot at age 31 during a college event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, according to Variety.
