Erika Kirk condemns Dave Chappelle over standup joke about husband's murder

Erika Kirk criticized public figures who mock political assassinations after comedian Dave Chappelle told an audience in New York City that he felt better following the murder of her husband, Charlie Kirk. The New York Post, Variety, and Fox News reported that Chappelle made the comments during a standup performance at Madison Square Garden. According to video circulating on social media, Chappelle acknowledged the sensitivity of public speaking before making the statement. Reports differed on the exact day of the performance, with the New York Post and Fox News stating the show took place on Friday, while the Daily Mail reported it occurred on Saturday night. [1][2][3][5]

The New York Post and Variety reported that Erika Kirk described jokes about political assassination as beyond disgusting. She stated that it is unacceptable to use the destruction of a human life as entertainment or a punchline. The Daily Mail and Fox News noted that Chappelle's remarks sparked widespread criticism and horror on social media platforms after the clip was published online, despite event rules prohibiting mobile phones. [1][2][3][5]

Charlie Kirk was an American right-wing political activist who co-founded and led the conservative organization Turning Point USA. He was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an outdoor campus debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Following his death, Erika Kirk was appointed chairwoman and chief executive officer of Turning Point USA. As FTMQ News reported earlier, podcasters Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan separately issued an apology for laughing at a joke about Charlie Kirk on their show. [7][12][14][17]

The controversy comes as legal proceedings regarding the shooting continue. Fox News reported that a judge could set a trial date in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, where defense attorneys and prosecutors have offered differing proposals for when the trial should begin. [6][18]