Dave Chappelle drew criticism on Saturday night for stating that the assassination of Charlie Kirk made him "feel better." The comedian made the remark during a sold-out performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

"I feel f[***]ed up saying this. It's scary being a public speaker," Chappelle, 53, told the audience, according to a video clip that has circulated online. "And I mean, look, ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered... and I shouldn't say this publicly, but I feel better."

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The incident has been described as an act of political violence.

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson was among the first to condemn Chappelle's statement, noting that Kirk had publicly supported Chappelle after an on-stage attack in May 2022. Johnson shared on X, "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."

Megyn Kelly echoed this sentiment, calling the comment "Despicable" on X.

Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, also expressed her condemnation. "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," she wrote on X on 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."

She added, "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's remarks have ignited a debate regarding the intersection of political commentary, comedy, and acts of violence.