Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth is addressing backlash after her social media comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked controversy among fans, particularly members of the LGBT community.
Chenoweth, 57, known for her roles in Broadway’s Wicked and numerous TV appearances, drew criticism after posting on Instagram in response to Kirk being killed on Sept. 10. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent right-wing figure, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
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“I’m. So. Upset. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still,” Chenoweth said.
The post was met with a wave of criticism from followers, many of whom pointed to Kirk’s vocal opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights.
In an interview on Thursday with Frank DiLella, theater correspondent for Spectrum News/NY1, Chenoweth addressed the backlash.
“Mixed? You’re being kind,” she said when DiLella described the responses as “mixed.”
Visibly emotional, Chenoweth continued, “I saw what happened online with my own eyes, and I had a human moment of reflection right then. I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so badly. I would never.”
Chenoweth has long described herself as a “non-judgmental, liberal Christian,” and a vocal supporter of the LGBT community.
She acknowledged the apparent tension between her faith and advocacy, saying, “It’s no secret that I’m a Christian, that I’m a person of faith. It’s also no secret that I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and for some, that doesn’t go together. But for me, it always has and it always will.”
@youcanjustfeedme they hit the second tower #kristinchenoweth #why ♬ No One Mourns the Wicked – Wicked Movie Cast & Ariana Grande
@giletslays Anybody else? ⬇️ #charliekirk #celebnews #tea ♬ original sound – Gilét Slays
Chenoweth is not the only celebrity facing scrutiny for expressing sympathy following Kirk’s death. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, known for her progressive politics, also faced backlash after becoming emotional while discussing Kirk during an appearance on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast.
Curtis initially misidentified Kirk as “Charlie Crist,” before correcting herself: “Sorry, Kirk. I just call him Crist, I think, because of Christ, because of his deep belief.” She went on to say, “Even though I find what his ideas were abhorrent to me, I still believe he’s a father and a husband and a man of faith, and I hope whatever ‘connection to God’ means, that he felt it.”
Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley received online backlash after calling those celebrating Kirk’s death “demonic” in a now-expired Instagram Story.
Similarly, Clueless star Stacey Dash released a video urging compassion, asking the public to consider the emotional toll on Kirk’s widow and children. Like Curtis, Mowry-Housley and Dash have faced mixed reactions for expressing empathy toward a polarizing figure like Kirk.
Others, including Rosie O’Donnell, expressed concern over the politicized discourse surrounding Kirk’s death.
“No, just no — do not become the murderer — this is wrong on every level. #WeAreAllAmericans,” O’Donnell wrote in a caption beneath an image from the Utah event.
EDITORIAL: WHAT THE MURDER OF CHARLIE KIRK MEANS
Kirk rose to national prominence through Turning Point USA and his viral “Prove Me Wrong” campus tour, which frequently courted controversy for its confrontational style and conservative messaging. Despite his views, his death has prompted a widespread response across political and cultural lines.
As for Chenoweth, she concluded her interview with, “We are complicated, we are human, we are flawed, and we are trying — at least I am — to lead with love.” The Washington Examiner has reached out to her for comment.