Former sports writer sues after firing over criticism of slain activist Charlie Kirk
A former sports journalist who posted critical comments about Charlie Kirk after the activist’s death was dismissed and has struggled to find work, while other dismissed employees have secured settlements in lawsuits alleging free-speech violations.
Gerald Bourguet, a full-time writer on professional men’s basketball, was dismissed from his job at PHNX Sports after posting online remarks describing the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk as an “evil man” and condemning his supporters. The posts, made hours after Kirk was shot on September 10, 2025, went viral, leading to Bourguet’s address being posted publicly and a wave of threatening messages. Concerned for their safety, his family left Utah with their four-month-old child and later sold their home.
A year later, Bourguet says he does not regret his comments but acknowledges that his life has been irrevocably altered. He now lives in an undisclosed state, works on a personal podcast, and is considering leaving the country to support his family.
"I don’t regret what I said. I don’t regret the way that I said it. I do regret the ripple effects that came from it and the way that they impacted me, my career, my family, and my son," Bourguet told the BBC.
Bourguet is among more than 600 people reported to have been fired or disciplined for remarks about Kirk after his death, according to a Reuters tally. Some have received large settlements; biologist Brittney Brown was paid $485,000, anthropologist Tamar Shirinian received $1.9 million, and theatre professor Darren Michael was awarded $500,000 after reinstatement.
Legal actions have largely involved employees of government agencies or union-backed workers who enjoy stronger free-speech protections. Private-sector workers, who are typically employed “at-will,” have fewer avenues for redress.
"All I wanted was my job back," Brown said. "So no, it does not feel like justice."
Public officials, including Vice-President JD Vance and White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, condemned any celebration of Kirk’s murder and urged employers to act against such speech. Critics on the left argued that the response reflected a double standard in the broader debate over “cancel culture."
While some dismissed employees have secured financial compensation, many, like Bourguet, remain unemployed and are rebuilding their lives without the prospect of returning to their former professions.