Erika Kirk has responded to those using the death of her late husband as a punchline, calling the behavior "beyond disgusting." She issued the statement on X on Sunday following comments made by comedian Dave Chappelle regarding the political assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk stated that seeing leftist podcasters, comedians, and commentators laugh at the destruction of a human life as entertainment is a sign of "profound moral decay." She noted that her husband was killed in an act of political violence, which she and their two children will live with every day. Kirk emphasized that people do not have to agree with someone's politics to recognize the value of their life, adding that political violence must never be tolerated, excused, or celebrated by the country.
The backlash against Chappelle follows footage from his show on Friday at Madison Square Garden. The event was advertised as a phone-free experience requiring devices to be stored in Yondr pouches. During the show, Chappelle quipped about Kirk's death, stating, "I feel fucked up saying this. It’s scary being a public speaker. Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered, and I shouldn’t say this publicly, but I feel better." He further told the audience, "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!’"
Other media figures also faced criticism recently. Hosts of the "I’ve Had It" podcast, Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, were criticized for laughing at a joke about Kirk during a Thursday episode. On Saturday, the two released a joint statement saying they "regret it" and "apologize."
Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a conservative activist, died on Sept. 10, 2025. He was 31 years old at the time of his death, which occurred after he was shot during a college event in Utah.
