Kristin Chenoweth has discussed the intense backlash she received following her tribute to Charlie Kirk after his tragic passing in September. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on November 3, the actress and singer shared her emotional toll from the controversy. “It was tough on me,” Chenoweth, 57, remarked. “But I’m not going to answer any questions about it because I dealt with it. It nearly broke me, and that’s all I’m going to say. You probably know my heart, so you probably know.”
Kirk, a conservative commentator known for his contentious stances, was shot and killed at age 31 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10. Following his death, Chenoweth expressed her condolences and shared her thoughts in the comments of a March post from Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization founded by Kirk. She wrote, “I’m. So. Upset. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family,” referring to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children.
However, her remarks sparked significant backlash, especially from members of the LGBTQ+ community, who pointed to Kirk’s known anti-LGBTQ+ views. In response to the criticism, Chenoweth later explained in an interview with NY1’s Frank DiLella that she recognized the hurt caused by her words and that it affected her deeply. She articulated her beliefs, emphasizing her faith while advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s no secret that I’m a Christian, that I’m a person of faith. It’s also no secret that I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for some, that doesn’t go together. But for me, it always has and it always will,” she stated.
Chenoweth was not alone in navigating public reactions to Kirk’s death; other celebrities like Amanda Seyfried and Jamie Lee Curtis also spoke out. Seyfried, 39, shared a post expressing disapproval of Kirk’s ideology and later clarified that while she decried the violence surrounding his death, she recognized how deeply troubling it was for the nation as a whole. Curtis also faced scrutiny for her comments regarding Kirk’s faith but expressed compassion for him as a father and husband, despite their differing views.
The reactions from various public figures highlight the complexity of discussing such a divisive individual, showcasing the evolving conversation around faith, politics, and the impact of violence in society. Chenoweth’s experience and the subsequent dialogue serve as a reminder of the nuances in human interactions, especially in times of tragedy.