Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Backlash Following Charlie Kirk’s Death

NEW YORK, NY — Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth spoke candidly about the backlash she faced after expressing sympathy following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September. In an interview published on November 3, Chenoweth revealed that the outrage nearly broke her.

“It was tough on me, 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,” Chenoweth, 57, told the outlet.

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while attending an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Reacting to his death on social media, Chenoweth wrote, “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.”

Her comments drew significant criticism from her fanbase, particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community, who felt betrayed by her expressions of sorrow towards Kirk, known for his controversial statements against LGBTQ+ rights. Chenoweth acknowledged this backlash, stating, “I saw what happened online with my own eyes. And I had a human moment of reflection.”

She continued, “I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks, and that hurt me so badly. 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. For some, that doesn’t go together, but for me, it always has and it always will.”

As Chenoweth prepares to return to Broadway in the musical adaptation of the documentary ‘The Queen of Versailles,’ she remains hesitant to delve into her recent controversy. “It was tough on me, but I’m not going to answer any questions about it because I dealt with it,” she reiterated.