British comedienne Gina Yashere provoked controversy after posting online remarks about the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying the slain campaigner "got what [he] had advocated for" and reiterating long-standing criticisms of his views.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking at an event in Utah last week. He was married with two young children and was a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump who opposed many gun-control measures. His killing prompted widespread grief and anger internationally.
In a social-media post cited in British coverage, Yashere — 51 and born in north London — listed what she described as Kirk's positions and character traits, writing that he was "xenophobic, transphobic, homophobic, racist, misogynist and sexist." She added, "Charlie Kirk got what Charlie Kirk had advocated for. He wanted more guns on the streets. He didn't mind a few kids being shot to death in their classrooms or the odd Democrat being murdered in their home." The comedienne also said, "I don't believe in heaven and hell. But just in case there is, Charlie Kirk is going down there. And if he does, I hope he gets dropped off by a black pilot." The latter remark echoed a Kirk comment last year expressing skepticism about positive discrimination, when he said, "If I see a black pilot, I'm going to be, like, boy, I hope he's qualified."
Yashere rose to prominence in the U.K. on panel shows such as Mock the Week and has built a U.S. profile with television work; she is reported to have a role in the forthcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. She has spoken previously about leaving Britain for the United States, saying the move gave her greater freedom to live openly as a lesbian.
The comments were reported in British tabloid coverage and have added to public attention around the aftermath of Kirk's killing. Reporting on the shooting has highlighted Kirk's role as a free-speech campaigner and his opposition to tighter gun regulations. Coverage has also noted the personal impact of his death on his family, who survived him.
Observers have connected the episode to ongoing debates in both the United States and abroad over political rhetoric, gun policy and the responsibilities of public figures. Yashere's remarks underscore the heightened public scrutiny faced by commentators and entertainers who weigh in on polarizing events. The actress-comedian has not issued a further public statement clarifying or retracting the comments as of publication.
The killing of Kirk remains under investigation by local law enforcement. Media coverage has continued to follow developments in the inquiry and responses from political and cultural figures in the days since the shooting.