Kristin Chenoweth addresses criticism over Charlie Kirk tribute: ‘I’m a person of faith’
"What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven," wrote the Wicked star in light of Kirk's death
By Aaron Sugg
Kristin Chenoweth has addressed the criticism she faced after a recent social media tribute about the late right-wing commentator, Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was killed just last week (10 September). He was shot dead while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The Wicked star reacted online with a message that sparked mixed reactions, 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.”
She also took to her Instagram Story to share her feelings about the 31-year-old’s assassination, writing: “Such a sad, senseless, and disgusting act! Wow… prayers for the Kirk family and prayers for our nation.”
“Calm down Kristin, you and I don’t decide who goes to heaven” – one user commented on Kristin Chenoweth reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death
Some users questioned what “perspective” she was referring to, given Kirk’s history of outspoken opposition to same-sex marriage and trans rights.
“Which perspective did she appreciate,” one user wrote on X. Another added: “Calm down Kristin, you and I don’t decide who goes to heaven, it’s beyond our pay grade.”
Before his death, Kirk called for “Nuremberg-style” trials for doctors who perform gender-affirming care, suggesting such medical treatments are criminal acts.
He also referred to trans identities as “a throbbing middle finger to God”, calling trans people “sick” and blaming them for “the decline of American men”.
In a new interview with Spectrum News/NY1 theatre correspondent Frank DiLella, Chenoweth clarified the meaning behind her statement.
“I’m sorry if emotion gets involved here, forgive me” – Chenoweth on the backlash she has received for speaking out after Kirk’s death
DiLella asked: “You have a big LGBTQ+ fan base. You know, for members and allies in the LGBTQ+ community, Charlie was a controversial figure. He openly opposed same-sex marriage, trans rights. So I ask, what were you hoping to convey with that post?”
Chenoweth responded, visibly emotional: “I’m sorry if emotion gets involved here, forgive me.” 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. I would never.
“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.”
When the host remarked that her post received “mixed reactions”, Chenoweth replied: “Mixed? You’re being kind.”
The backlash continued online. “This is why Ariana will always be the better Glinda,” one user commented. Quoting the 57-year-old directly, another wrote: “If opposing human rights equals heaven then i don’t wanna know what hell looks like.”
Jamie Lee Curtis was another to emotionally speak out about Kirk’s death
Chenoweth was among several well-known figures to speak out on Kirk’s death. Jamie Lee Curtis also reacted, breaking down in tears and comparing Kirk to Jesus Christ during a podcast appearance.
Beginning to sob, Curtis said: “I mean, I disagreed with him on almost every point I ever heard him say. But I believe he was a man of faith, and I hope in that moment when he died, that he felt connected to his faith.”