British television personality Anne Hegerty drew widespread online criticism after posting comments about the fatal shooting of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting heated exchanges with followers who called her remarks "misinformed."
Hegerty, best known as the "Governess" on ITV’s quiz show The Chase, said on social media that she had never heard of Kirk before news of his death and that, had they met, she would have challenged some of his statements. She added she "joined Bernie Sanders in deploring his murder." Her comments prompted dozens of angry responses in which some users urged her to refrain from commenting and others defended Kirk’s record as a conservative organizer.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University and died a few hours later at a hospital. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the shooting. Robinson made his first court appearance remotely, appearing disheveled and expressionless as a judge read the charges. Prosecutors on Tuesday filed capital murder charges and Robinson has been held without bail. It was unclear whether he had retained counsel.
Police and prosecutors said investigators were examining Robinson’s online activity and ideological leanings. Authorities said Robinson held a leftist ideology and that he may have been radicalized online prior to the attack, statements that officials said formed part of their ongoing investigation.
Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator who built a national profile through college campus events and media appearances. Supporters credited him with energizing segments of the Republican youth movement ahead of the 2024 election. He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and two young children.
Hegerty’s original post and subsequent replies drew sharp criticism from some users who said her remarks were ill informed and inappropriate in the immediate aftermath of a killing. Several commenters urged the television personality to retract or clarify her post; Hegerty engaged with multiple replies, at times defending her right to free expression and urging people to "take the temperature down a bit," saying that quick anger can fuel further violence.
Other respondents defended Kirk, calling him a courteous debater who aimed to persuade students on college campuses. Hegerty, 67, also responded with light-hearted asides in the comment thread, which some users said was out of step with the gravity of the incident.
The shooting has triggered national attention in the United States and renewed debate over political violence and the risks faced by public figures who speak at campus events. Investigators continue to gather evidence and prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the capital murder case against Robinson. Court dates and further proceedings are pending as the legal process moves forward.
News of the exchange between Hegerty and her followers comes as the investigation into Kirk’s death continues and as officials seek to establish motive, whether any broader conspiracy was involved, and the extent to which online radicalization may have played a role. Police and prosecutors have urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed while they complete forensic and intelligence inquiries.