Kristin Chenoweth said the backlash she faced after commenting on the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk nearly broke her, describing the reaction as deeply personal and painful.
She drew criticism in September after reacting online to news of Kirk’s assassination at a speaking event. In a social media post, she expressed shock and sadness over his death.
“I’m. So. Upset,” she wrote. “Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven.”
The message triggered backlash, including from LGBTQ+ supporters who pointed to Kirk’s record of opposing LGBTQ+ rights. Critics said her sympathy appeared at odds with her long-standing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Addressing the controversy in an interview tied to her Broadway return, Chenoweth said she would not revisit the issue. “It was tough on me, but I’m not going to answer any questions about it because I dealt with it,” she said, adding that the experience “nearly broke” her.
She acknowledged that her comment hurt some people and said that realization hurt her deeply. Chenoweth also described herself as both a longtime LGBTQ+ advocate and a person of faith. “For some, that doesn’t go together,” she said. “But for me, it always has, and it always will.”
She said she now wants to focus on her work rather than political debate, confirming she voted in the 2024 US election but declining to discuss specific positions.
