Dave Chappelle faces backlash for remarks about Charlie Kirk's death

Comedian Dave Chappelle attracted criticism after stating during his "Karmageddon" tour at Madison Square Garden that he "feels better" since the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year. The remark, captured in video clips that circulated on social media, was described by the comedian as a feeling he "shouldn't say publicly."

British broadcaster Piers Morgan labeled the comment "disgusting" on X, noting that Chappelle himself survived a stage attack in 2022. Chappelle's representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

The incident follows other recent controversies involving jokes about Kirk's death. Hosts of the "I’ve Had It" podcast apologized after laughing at a social-media joke referencing Kirk, leading advertisers such as Cash App to withdraw sponsorship. The hosts said the joke was "insensitive" and donated to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety.

Comedian Michael Che also referenced Kirk's murder in his Netflix special, suggesting it reflected broader societal tensions. In an interview, Che said he aims to "laugh at the things that horrify you."

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, posted on X that she found the jokes about the political assassination "beyond disgusting" and described a culture that treats such violence as entertainment as "profound moral decay." Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed in September 2025 while speaking at a college event in Utah. A Utah man, Tyler Robinson, has been charged in the case.