First posted on Instagram
Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing a wave of backlash after a video circulating online showed him telling a Madison Square Garden audience on Saturday night that he feels better since conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered.
In the clip, recorded during his “Karmageddon” show at the Garden on Saturday, November 7, Chappelle is heard saying: “I feel f*cked up saying this but… ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered… and I shouldn’t say this publicly… I feel better.” The audience can be heard laughing and cheering as he delivers the line.
The remark drew swift condemnation from conservative commentators and social media users, many of whom accused Chappelle of making light of a political assassination. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson wrote: “This isn’t even comedy. It’s just sick.” Mario Nawfal’s platform also condemned the remarks, pointing out that Kirk was a husband and father of two and criticising the treatment of his killing as a punchline. Educator Katharine Birbalsingh expressed disappointment, questioning why Chappelle would make such a statement despite acknowledging that he should not say it publicly.
The backlash carried an extra edge because Kirk had previously defended Chappelle. In 2022, after Chappelle was attacked onstage during a performance, Kirk criticised the handling of the attack and warned against political violence targeting public figures. Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec resurfaced Kirk’s 2022 post after the Madison Square Garden clip spread, highlighting the contrast between Kirk’s defence of Chappelle and the comedian’s remarks following Kirk’s death.
Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with the killing.
Chappelle had spoken about Kirk’s death before. In his Netflix special “The Unstoppable,” released in December 2025, and during a set at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, he said he was shaken by the killing. His remarks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday were his latest comments on the subject.
The Garden shows, on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, opened the 22nd annual New York Comedy Festival. The performances were billed as device-free, with phones placed in locked pouches at the door, but a recording of the moment still circulated online.