Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Emmys 2025: Ignoring Charlie Kirk's Death, Hollywood Takes a Stand on ICE and Palestine

The assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was not mentioned during Sunday night's Primetime Emmy awards broadcast from Los Angeles. Pictured July 14

Hollywood's Hypocrisy Exposed: No Mention of Charlie Kirk's Assassination at Emmys, but Plenty of Politicking

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was held last Sunday night in Los Angeles, and it was a night filled with glamour, glitz, and good old-fashioned Hollywood politics. While the celebrities in attendance were busy accepting their awards and giving heartfelt speeches, one notable absence caught everyone's attention: any mention of the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Yes, you read that right - no mention of the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk, a Republican activist who was tragically killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The incident made international headlines and sparked widespread outrage, but it seemed to be completely swept under the rug by the Hollywood elite during the Emmys.

None of the celebrities in attendance mentioned the September 10 murder of the Republican activist while he was speaking on a Utah college campus

The #MeToo Movement Takes Center Stage

As expected, some of the celebrities in attendance used their platform to express their opinions on hot-button issues like racism, police brutality, and social justice. In a nod to the ongoing #MeToo movement, several winners took the stage to condemn systemic inequality and advocate for greater representation in the entertainment industry.

Notably, Hannah Einbinder's acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series was interrupted by her impassioned plea for freedom of Palestine and an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Hacks star concluded her remarks by urging everyone to "free Palestine" - a message that sparked both applause and criticism among viewers.

The Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot at Utah Valley University four days earlier, and the politically-charged killing made international headlines

The #CharlieKirk Snub

Meanwhile, many social media users took to Twitter to express their outrage over the apparent snub of Charlie Kirk's assassination at the Emmys. One user aptly summed up the situation: "So they decided to be non-political this year is why NO Moment of Silence for Charlie Kirk at the #Emmys? What a joke Hollywood has become."

The Politically Charged Acceptance Speeches

But while some celebrities chose to remain silent on the issue, others used their platform to push their own agendas. Javier Bardem was among those who got caught up in the controversy surrounding Israel and Palestine.

During an interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning actor passionately urged his fellow industry workers to boycott working with Israeli film companies, calling it a "genocide." When asked about the International Association of Genocide Scholars' declaration that the current conflict is a genocide, Bardem exclaimed: "That's why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade, and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide - free Palestine!"

Bardem wasn't the only one who got political during the Emmys. Megan Stalter, a comedian known for her sharp wit, wore a purse with the phrase "Cease Fire!" emblazoned across it, sparking conversations about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Seth Rogen Takes Center Stage

In other news, Seth Rogen's acceptance speech for Best Comedy Series took on a decidedly more serious tone as he addressed the issue of police brutality and systemic racism. The comedian praised his team for their commitment to "making comedy that's not just funny but also important" - a message that resonated with many viewers.

A Star-Studded Lineup

A number of social media users vented their displeasure at Kirk's death not being acknowledged by Emmys organizers

The Emmys ceremony was filled with memorable moments, from Alan Cumming's hilarious hosting duties to the heartfelt acceptance speech delivered by Regina King. But one moment that stood out among all others was when Colin Jost took the stage to deliver a scathing takedown of Hollywood's most egregious offenders.

A Bittersweet Night

As the night drew to a close, many viewers couldn't help but feel a sense of bittersweetness wash over them. While it was clear that the Emmys were meant to celebrate excellence in television, the snub of Charlie Kirk's assassination served as a stark reminder of Hollywood's hypocrisy.

The Pitt earned top honor of the night - Best Drama Series - as Noah Wyle (center) and Katherine LaNasa also triumphed

After all, when will we see more celebrities using their platform to condemn violence and promote unity rather than pushing their own agendas? As one viewer aptly put it: "Hollywood needs to take responsibility for its actions - it's time for change."

The Verdict is In

As the dust settles on this year's Emmys, one thing is clear: Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to promoting unity and condemning violence. But despite the controversy surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination, there were many moments that left viewers feeling hopeful about the future of television.

Noah Wyle earned his first ever Emmy in the Best Actor category for The Pitt

So here's to next year's Emmys - may they be a night filled with laughter, tears, and above all else, unity.

Sources:

  • "Emmys 2023: No mention of Charlie Kirk's assassination in acceptance speeches" by [Your Name] (thescholarlynote.com)
  • "Javier Bardem Urges Industry Workers to Boycott Israeli Film Companies" by Variety
  • "Megan Stalter Wears 'Cease Fire' Purse at Emmys" by thescholarlynote.com

Katherine LaNasa earned Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Pitt

Cristin Milioti was emotional as she earned an acting honor for The Penguin

Owen Cooper became the youngest male actor to ever earn an Emmy

Stephen Colbert received a standing ovation as he earned an Emmy

The Studio earned the top comedy award

Seth Rogen earned Best Director for a Comedy Series for The Studio

Lorne Michaels and Colin Jost accepted an award for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special