Kristin Chenoweth addresses fan outrage over controversial Charlie Kirk comments

Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth has broken her silence regarding the intense backlash she faced after posting sympathetic comments about the death of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk. In her first public response since the controversy erupted, Chenoweth tearfully addressed critics who questioned her support for Kirk, whose views often clashed with the LGBTQ+ community that forms a significant portion of her fanbase.

The controversy began on September 10, when Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. Shortly after his death, Chenoweth commented on Kirk’s final Instagram post, writing: “I’m. So. Upset. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.”

The comment immediately sparked widespread criticism from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates who pointed to Kirk’s history of opposing same-sex marriage and transgender rights. Many questioned which of Kirk’s controversial perspectives Chenoweth had appreciated, particularly given her long-standing role as an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate.

During an emotional interview with Frank DiLella of Spectrum News/NY1 on September 18, Chenoweth directly addressed the controversy for the first time. When asked about her comments given Kirk’s opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, “I’m sorry if emotion gets involved here, forgive me,” Chenoweth said, visibly choking up during the interview.

She continued: “I saw what happened online with my own eyes and I had a human moment of reflection right then. I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so badly.”

The Wicked star emphasized that her Christian faith and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community are not mutually exclusive, despite criticism suggesting otherwise. “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,” Chenoweth stated.

The backlash against Chenoweth extended beyond the initial criticism, with fans flooding her social media accounts with negative comments. Some users questioned her true political beliefs, while others expressed disappointment in her apparent sympathy for Kirk’s positions. The controversy also led to trending discussions about her iconic Wicked role as Glinda, with many drawing parallels to the musical’s themes about moral complexity.

Despite the controversy, Chenoweth maintains her commitment to both her faith and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The Tony Award winner is currently preparing for her return to Broadway in “The Queen of Versailles,” which begins performances October 8 at the St. James Theatre.

When DiLella observed that her Instagram post had received “mixed reactions,” Chenoweth responded, “Mixed? You’re being kind.” The comment underscored the overwhelmingly negative response she received from her fanbase.

The actress also shared content on her Instagram Stories supporting a post from political analyst Brian Allen, who called Kirk’s death “horrifying and unacceptable” and argued against normalizing political violence. However, this additional sharing did little to quell the criticism from those who felt her original comment crossed a line.

Chenoweth’s response to the controversy reflects the challenging position many public figures find themselves in when navigating politically charged moments. To that I say, just choose not to comment. It is as simple as that.

The controversy comes as Chenoweth prepares for her highly anticipated Broadway return, marking her first headlining musical role since “On the Twentieth Century” in 2015. The timing of the backlash adds another layer of complexity to her upcoming production launch, particularly given that Broadway audiences significantly overlap with the LGBTQ+ community that has expressed disappointment with her comments.