The Joe Burrow Foundation announced Friday that it had terminated an advisory board member after the individual made "inappropriate remarks" in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Ohio State Rep. Adam Mathews, a Republican, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the removed member was Hamilton County Municipal Judge Ted Berry.
"The Joe Burrow Foundation was founded on the belief that everyone has the responsibility to do good. We have terminated an advisory board member that made inappropriate remarks in light of recent events and they are no longer associated with the Foundation," the organization said in a statement. "Their comments do not reflect our values or our mission. We are committed to accountability and respect for all."
Mathews, who had called for Berry's resignation after the judge's social media posts, said Berry's messages celebrated Kirk's killing and included "vitriolic, racially charged and political language." Mathews quoted posts he attributed to the judge, including "Rest in Hatred & Division!", the question "How's he feel about gun violence & gun control in Hell, now?", and a post stating, "So, a white guy killed him! Color it KARMA!" Mathews said such comments were incompatible with the impartiality required of a sitting judge.
In his initial public response, Mathews warned that if Berry did not resign he would file a formal grievance with the Supreme Court of Ohio's Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Berry, who is due to retire in January 2026, told The Cincinnati Enquirer he did not "condone any type of violence on any human being" and added, "I regret if I caused division. That was not my intent. And I hope there can be peace." Fox News Digital reported that the foundation's statement did not name Berry, and Berry could not be reached for additional comment.
Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Alex Linser said in remarks to FOX 19 that, in light of what he called Berry's "disappointing and divisive comments," the judge would not be recognized at an upcoming judicial event. Mathews praised Linser's decision and renewed calls for Berry to resign.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Sept. 10, 2025, during an event in Utah. His death prompted memorials and vigils across the United States and overseas. The shooting has also spurred political and legal scrutiny of public reactions to the killing.
The Joe Burrow Foundation, started by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and previously listing Berry on its advisory board, said it acted to hold its membership to the organization's stated values. The foundation's statement emphasized accountability and respect but did not provide further details about the termination process or whether any internal review had taken place.
Memorials honoring Kirk have been held in multiple cities, and public reactions have ranged from vigils to calls for policy and legal responses. A memorial in Berlin and other international observances were reported following the killing.
The case adds to a broader national debate about the responsibilities of public officials, the boundaries of acceptable public commentary by judges, and how civic organizations respond when members' conduct draws public criticism. State and local officials in Ohio are watching whether disciplinary or formal resignation proceedings will follow the public disclosures and the foundation's action.