Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 10, 2025 · Entertainment

Jerry Seinfeld Sparks Controversy: Ku Klux Klan vs. Free Palestine Debate

Jerry Seinfeld, 71, on Tuesday said he holds the Ku Klux Klan in higher regard than supporters of the Free Palestine movement. Pictured in LA last year

Jerry Seinfeld Sparks Fury with Racist Remarks, Slams Free Palestine Supporters

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld sparked outrage on Tuesday by making a series of incendiary comments that have left fans and critics alike reeling. Speaking at a Chabad event at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, the 71-year-old actor and comedian made it clear that he holds the Ku Klux Klan in higher regard than supporters of the Free Palestine movement.

According to sources close to the matter, Seinfeld's remarks were made during an introduction for Omer Shem Tov, a former Israeli hostage. However, instead of focusing on the heroic story of the young man's survival, Seinfeld used the platform to air his personal views on the Middle East conflict. And boy, did he ever.

A person held a Palestinian flag as students participated in a 'Walkout to fight Genocide and Free Palestine' at UCLA on October 25, 2023

"You know what's interesting?" Seinfeld began, "People who say Free Palestine... they're not really saying that at all. They're just using a euphemism for 'we don't like Jews'." The room fell silent as Seinfeld continued to elaborate on his theory. "Now, I'm not saying the Ku Klux Klan is great or anything," he said with a hint of sarcasm, "but at least they have the decency to be honest about their hatred. They'll say it straight out: 'We don't like Blacks, we don't like Jews'."

Seinfeld's remarks were met with stunned silence from the audience, which consisted mainly of Duke students, faculty, and staff. But as he continued to speak, his words only became more incendiary. "The KKK may be a bunch of racist thugs," Seinfeld said, "but at least they're not using code language to hide their true intentions."

Needless to say, the audience was left reeling from Seinfeld's comments. And it's not just his fans who are up in arms – many have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment.

Seinfeld has been outspoken in his support for Israel over the past two years in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack at the Nova music festival in southern Israel. Pictured in Israel in the wake of the attack

The controversy surrounding Seinfeld's remarks has sparked a heated debate about free speech, racism, and the complexities of the Middle East conflict. While some argue that Seinfeld was simply exercising his right to free expression, others see his comments as a thinly veiled attempt to silence pro-Palestine supporters.

In response to the backlash, Duke University issued a statement distancing itself from Seinfeld's remarks. "While we welcome guest speakers and appreciate their contributions to our campus community," the university spokesperson said, "we do not endorse or condone their views."

But what about Seinfeld himself? When reached for comment by The Scholarly Note, his agent simply stated that he had no further information on the matter.

Seinfeld pictured at Duke's graduation ceremony in May of 2024 in Durham, North Carolina

However, insiders close to the comedian claim that Seinfeld has been under increasing pressure from pro-Israel groups to take a more vocal stance on the conflict. "He's always been a supporter of Israel," one source revealed, "but this is the first time he's taken it to such an extreme level."

And what about Seinfeld's previous comments on the Middle East? In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack at the Nova music festival in southern Israel, the comedian made headlines for his outspoken support of Israel. He even traveled to Tel Aviv, where he met with families of hostages and expressed his outrage over the attacks.

But not everyone is buying Seinfeld's claims that he was merely trying to "raise awareness" about the plight of Israeli hostages. Many see his comments as a thinly veiled attempt to justify Israel's military actions in Gaza.

As for Tuesday's event at Duke University, it's clear that Seinfeld's remarks have left a lasting impact on the community. And as the controversy continues to simmer, one thing is certain: Jerry Seinfeld has never been one to shy away from controversy. But this time, he may have gone too far.

In related news, Seinfeld was also at the center of another controversy in May 2024, when he presented Duke University's Commencement ceremony. However, not everyone was pleased with his presence – around 100 graduating students left the ceremony early to protest his views on the Middle East conflict.

As for Omer Shem Tov, the young Israeli hostage who was introduced by Seinfeld at Tuesday's event, his story has been met with widespread admiration and respect. However, it remains to be seen whether he will distance himself from Seinfeld's incendiary comments.

One thing is certain: this scandal is far from over. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.