Republicans online expressed outrage after Washington DC comedian Dave Chappelle said that he felt better ever since Charlie Kirk was murdered.
Chappelle made the joke in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden during a stop on his Karmageddon tour. His comment about Kirk drew mixed reactions online, with some criticizing the comedian while others defended his remarks.
In a video circulating online, Chappelle addressed the crowd and said, “I feel [expletive] up saying this. It’s scary being a public speaker. And I mean look, ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered … and I shouldn’t say this publicly but, I feel better.”
Following the remark, many audience members could be heard laughing. “I know I shouldn’t say that, but it’s just a feeling,” he continued. The comedian then took the joke further, reportedly adding, “I didn’t ask to feel this way. I just be driving around like, ‘Why am I in such a good mood? Oh!’” The final quote was reported by The New York Post.
The full context behind Chappelle’s remarks remains unclear. It is also unknown what the comedian said after the circulating video ended. Despite the lack of additional information, his comments drew criticism online.
Several of Charlie Kirk’s supporters criticized Dave Chappelle over his joke, with some pointing out that Kirk had previously defended the comedian following an onstage attack in May 2022. At the time, Kirk criticized then-Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón for not pursuing stronger charges against Chappelle’s attacker.
In a post attributed to Kirk on X, he accused Gascón of sending a message that acts of political violence were justifiable and even encouraged against people who expressed opposing views. He described the situation as “Sinister & Un-American.” Some of Kirk’s supporters referenced the resurfaced post while criticizing Chappelle’s remarks, arguing that the comedian should have shown more respect toward someone who had previously defended him.
Republicans Slam Washington DC Comedian Dave Chappelle Over Comment
The remarks made by Washington DC comedian Dave Chappelle divided people online. Some defended his joke, while others, including several Republicans, strongly criticized him. “Wow, @DaveChappelle — you should be ashamed of yourself. Will never see you again,” one person wrote, expressing disappointment with the comedian. Another criticized Chappelle and urged people to stop supporting him, commenting, “To be fair, Dave Chappelle hasn’t written a joke in ten years. This is just who he is. Stop supporting people who are happy to see you dead.”
More people criticized the comedian, with some arguing that his remarks crossed the line between humor and cruelty. “This isn’t comedy. It’s evil,” one person wrote. Another expressed disappointment despite previously admiring Chappelle’s work, commenting, “@DaveChappelle is one of the great comedians because he is fearless & edgy. This is just cruel. Fully done with him and it’s sad to say comedy is dead.” Someone else questioned the comedian’s political views, adding, “What an [expletive] thing for Chappelle to say. I’m so disappointed. Is everyone turning into a deranged leftist?”
Chappelle’s remarks raised questions about the boundaries of comedy and whether certain subjects, particularly someone’s death, should be considered off-limits for jokes. The mixed reactions also highlighted how comedians can face criticism for controversial material. This is even when their comments are intended to be humorous.
