Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing widespread criticism after telling an audience at Madison Square Garden that he has felt better since conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered in September 2025. The remarks came during a Friday night performance on Chappelle's “Karmageddon” tour, with a video of the comments circulating widely on social media over the weekend.

“I feel f***ed up saying this. It's scary being a public speaker,” Chappelle said before making the remark about Kirk. “Ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered, and I shouldn't say this publicly, but I feel better.”

Chappelle continued by saying, “I know I shouldn't say that, but it's just a feeling. I didn't ask to feel this way. I just be driving around like, 'Why am I in such a good mood? Oh!'” The brief video does not provide the full context of the routine or explain what prompted the comments.

The remarks prompted sharp reactions from conservative commentators and public figures. Elon Musk responded, “Shame, shame, shame on Chappelle.” Piers Morgan also condemned the comedian, calling the comments “disgusting” and criticizing the audience's reaction. Other critics, including Tim Pool, Meghan McCain, Benny Johnson and Joe Concha, also voiced their objections.

The controversy has drawn additional attention because Kirk previously defended Chappelle after the comedian was attacked onstage during a 2022 performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Kirk publicly criticized authorities over their handling of the incident and argued that political violence against public figures should not be tolerated.

Chappelle had also discussed Kirk's death in his December 2025 Netflix special, “The Unstoppable.” At the time, he said the shooting had shaken him and described his reaction to learning that Kirk had been killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. He also criticized comparisons between Kirk and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was 31 when he was fatally shot during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson has been charged with his murder.