As the first anniversary of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk approaches, some comedians are criticizing fellow performers for jokes and reactions that followed his assassination. Kirk was murdered on Sept. 10, 2025, on the campus of Utah Valley University.

Pete Davidson made a joke about Kirk’s assassination during Netflix’s “The Roast of Kevin Hart” in May 2026. "Tony [Hinchcliffe] reminds me of Charlie Kirk in that he’s definitely been on camera letting a guy unload in his throat," Davidson said.

Michael Loftus, a comedian and writer, described Davidson's joke and the audience reaction as a "giant groan." He told Fox News Digital that while he supports freedom of speech and the First Amendment, making jokes about someone who has been murdered shows a lack of bravery. "My reputation precedes me. I’m daring, I’m brash. I’ll say anything,'" Loftus said, characterizing the mindset. "Well, yeah, I’ll say anything about the guy who is not going to punch me back. You’re certainly brave about the guy who’s not in the room."

Loftus, who met Kirk at the Politicon convention, called those who joked about Kirk "absolute cowards."

Comedian Bryan Callen also weighed in, stating that while satire can challenge authority and prevent self-seriousness, there is a line. "But then there’s something called good taste and compassion and things that just don’t make you laugh because somebody was killed," Callen said. "When something terrible happens publicly, and you see somebody killed in front of their children and their wife, I think we need a button that says, ‘Wait, hold on…‘"

Davidson's joke drew criticism on social media. The incident occurred a year after Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash and a temporary suspension from ABC for comments made about Kirk's assassination. Kimmel had criticized the political reaction to the assassination and suggested the suspect was a MAGA supporter, a claim that was later found to be erroneous.

ABC reinstated Kimmel's show less than a week after the suspension. The controversy raised questions about potential government and political pressure influencing comedic commentary on broadcast networks.

Separately, over 400 entertainment figures, including Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep, signed an open letter backed by the ACLU, supporting Kimmel and expressing concern over threats to free speech.

In contrast, comic book writer Gretchen Felker-Martin faced consequences for her remarks about Kirk following his death. Her comic series "Red Hood" was canceled by DC Comics, which stated her public comments were inconsistent with the company's standards of conduct and could be viewed as promoting hostility or violence.

Comedian Trevor Noah addressed Kirk's death by focusing on gun control rather than the debate over censorship and speech.

Meanwhile, the sitcom "South Park" removed an episode that parodied Kirk weeks before his death. The episode had been embraced by Kirk as a "badge of honor," but Comedy Central pulled it from its rotation after his murder.

Loftus suggested that some comedians target religious figures or groups known for their pacifism, such as Christians, without similar commentary directed at other religions. "I would love to see Pete Davidson’s material on Islam. He’s such a brave and incredibly thoughtful performer that surely he has some jokes about Islam," Loftus stated. "Oh, your Charlie Kirk stuff — yes, very edgy and brave of you. But surely there are some jokes about Muhammad."

Callen remembered Kirk as an intellectual who could engage with those who disagreed with him, emphasizing Kirk's ability to defend his positions. He recalled Kirk's philosophy that "if people stop talking and stop debating in good faith, very bad things happen." Callen noted Kirk's emphasis on the importance of constructive dialogue and understanding differing perspectives, stating that Kirk "had the respect to read the people he disagreed with and not just read, but try to understand from their perspective."

Callen also highlighted Kirk's deep knowledge of religious texts, remarking, "He could tell you exactly what the Old and New Testament was, how it contributes to the very lives we live today. Not many people can do that. That takes a lot of effort." He added that Kirk's viewpoints were earned through research and thought, not merely attitude.

Loftus expressed optimism that Kirk's message of common sense would ultimately prevail, concluding, "The message that Charlie was sending out into the universe will certainly prevail. It’s just a matter of, you know, how long is it going to take and how much suffering will it take to get there?"