Dave Chappelle’s jokes about Charlie Kirk spark backlash from conservatives

Clips from Dave Chappelle’s November 7 performance at Madison Square Garden that mention the late right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk have spread online, despite the comedian’s policy of securing audience phones. In one excerpt Chappelle says, "Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered — and I shouldn’t say this publicly — but I feel better," and adds, "I’m sure Charlie Kirk is looking up at us right now, laughing so hard he can’t breathe."

According to an attendee, the reference to Kirk’s murder followed a bit in which Chappelle discussed a friend’s suicide, making the comment about Kirk a non sequitur. The short clips lack the full context of the routine, which can limit understanding of Chappelle’s artistic intent.

Some observers noted a similarity between Chappelle’s line and a joke delivered by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a roast of Kevin Hart, where Hinchcliffe referenced George Floyd with the phrase "laughing so hard that he can’t breathe." The parallel has led to speculation that Chappelle’s wording was an intentional nod to Hinchcliffe’s earlier controversy.

The remarks have drawn criticism from several prominent conservative figures who had previously defended Chappelle. Elon Musk wrote on X that the jokes were "shameful" and called the comedian "cruel" and "just not funny anymore." Ben Shapiro posted a 28-minute video on YouTube titled "The Chappelle Clip Shows You What the Left Actually Believes," and comedian Rob Schneider posted an open letter on X accusing Chappelle of championing "senseless violence" and embodying "the base ugliness of our body politic."