Social media influencer Kyle Forgeard said he was refused entry to a private members club in Manhattan after posting a public condolence for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this week.
Forgeard, who has about 2.2 million followers on Instagram, posted a photo of himself with Kirk alongside the message, "Absolutely speechless. Rest in peace Charlie," after news emerged that Kirk had been shot while speaking at Utah Valley University and later died. Forgeard said in Instagram stories that a doorman at The Twenty Two in Union Square told him he could not enter because of that post, while the rest of his party was admitted.
In one of his stories, Forgeard wrote that the doorman "makes a comment to my face about me posting my condolences for Charlie Kirk" and added, "I don't even know what to say. F**k club 22 in NYC." He later urged followers to contact the club and "get it together," and posted that only he had been denied entry while his companions were allowed inside.
The Twenty Two's website emphasizes a code of conduct for guests, saying the venue "does not condone improper behavior from any of our guests" and reserves the right to ask individuals to leave, cancel stays, refuse future bookings and deny entry in the event of misconduct. The policy text lists a zero-tolerance stance for sexual harassment and discrimination, among other behaviors. Daily Mail reported that it contacted The Twenty Two for comment; the club has not issued a public response to Forgeard's claims.
Since Forgeard posted his allegations, The Twenty Two's online listings have received a number of one-star reviews claiming the establishment denied entry to a guest because of a post commemorating Kirk. One reviewer wrote that a friend was turned away "because he had a post of Charlie Kirk who he knew giving his condolences publicly," and called the episode "disgraceful, evil." Other reviewers expressed concern that political views influenced admission decisions.
Charlie Kirk, 31, a conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University. Authorities said he was struck in the neck by a single bullet and was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital. Investigations into the shooting and the shooter's motives remain ongoing.
Forgeard's account of being singled out by the doorman has not been independently verified. The Twenty Two's stated admission policy allows staff discretion to refuse entry for a range of conduct, but it has not publicly addressed whether that policy was applied in this instance or explained the specific reason for Forgeard's denial.
The incident highlights tensions that have followed Kirk's death, with public reactions ranging from tributes to heated exchanges on social platforms. As of Thursday, there was no public statement from The Twenty Two confirming the details of Forgeard's claim or announcing any review of the incident.