Madison Journal
Madison Journal
min read · September 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Kristin Chenoweth's Controversial Grief: Fans React to Charlie Kirk Tribute

Fans of the Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth were surprised on to see her publicly grieve over the right-wing provocateur Charlie Kirk after he was shot and killed in Utah on Wednesday; pictured in March 2024 in NYC

BROADWAY STAR'S SHOCKING SHOW OF SYMPATHY FOR RIGHT-WING PROVOCATEUR LEAVES FANS SPEECHLESS

In a stunning display of empathy, beloved Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth publicly mourned the death of right-wing firebrand Charlie Kirk after he was tragically shot and killed in Utah on Wednesday. The 57-year-old actress's heartfelt tributes to the late commentator have left her fans reeling, with many taking to social media to express their outrage and disappointment.

Chenoweth, who originated the iconic role of Glinda in the hit musical Wicked, took to Instagram to pay her respects to Kirk, despite his history of inflammatory rhetoric on issues such as abortion, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her comments sparked a heated debate among fans, with some accusing her of being a closet Republican.

The 57-year-old actress mourned Kirk's death on Wednesday in an Instagram comment on the final video he posted before he was shot in the neck by a gunman located on the roof of a nearby building at Utah Valley University; Kirk is pictured in December 2024 in Phoenix, Ariz.

"I'm so upset," Chenoweth wrote on a video of Kirk debating an anti-abortion college student. "Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives." She continued to express her condolences for Kirk's family, stating, "What a heartbreak. His young family... I know where he is now. Heaven. But still 💔."

Chenoweth's tributes were met with swift backlash from fans who felt that she was being hypocritical and insensitive to the harm caused by Kirk's views. Many pointed out that Chenoweth had previously mocked President Donald Trump on stage and had supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

However, a closer look at Chenoweth's past statements suggests that her sympathies for Kirk may not be as surprising as they initially seem. While she has consistently expressed support for Democratic causes and candidates, she has also spoken publicly about being a Christian and has been known to engage with right-wing figures on social media.

Several fans accused Chenoweth of being a Republican, despite the fact that she has publicly mocked President Donald Trump in her stage shows; pictured in November 2024 in LA

Some fans have even accused Chenoweth of using her LGBTQ+ advocacy as a way to "line her pockets" while secretly supporting conservative ideologies. One user claimed that Chenoweth had "voted for Trump, is a raging racist who mistreats people of color she works with, and has been using the LGBTQ community to line her pockets while actively working against us."

Despite these claims, there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that Chenoweth is a Republican. However, her sympathetic comments towards Kirk have undoubtedly sparked controversy and raised questions about her true allegiances.

The FBI's handling of Kirk's murder has also come under scrutiny, with Director Kash Patel facing criticism for his decision to fire a "legendary" special agent in Utah who would have led the manhunt just a month earlier. The agent's firing has been described as "politically motivated" by some, fueling speculation about the FBI's handling of high-profile cases.

Chenoweth mourned Kirk in the comments of the final video he posted on Instagram before his murder, in which he debated a college student supporting legalized abortion by promoting his own anti-abortion views

As the debate rages on social media, fans are weighing in with their opinions on Chenoweth's actions and motivations. Some have taken to defending her, pointing out that she is a human being who deserves compassion, even if they disagree with her views.

Others, however, are not so forgiving. One user wrote, "Kristin Chenoweth always needs to be at the scene of the crime these days... she needs to log OFF." Another poster joked about how Chenoweth's Instagram comments were filled with "stupid bs," while another suggested that her fame had been eclipsed by newer stars who have taken on the iconic role of Glinda in Wicked.

In a surprising twist, some fans are even using Chenoweth's sympathies towards Kirk as an opportunity to boost their favorite musical theater stars. One user suggested that Ariana Grande's rendition of No One Mourns the Wicked from the upcoming Wicked film would be more deserving of Oscar recognition than Chenoweth's original recording.

Chenoweth said she 'Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives' from Kirk without spelling out which of his views she agreed with. She shared her 'heartbreak' for Kirk's 'young family' and declared that he was in 'Heaven'

As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Kristin Chenoweth has ignited a firestorm of controversy with her sympathetic comments towards Charlie Kirk. Will she weather the storm, or will this scandal mark the beginning of the end for her reputation as a beloved Broadway star? Only time will tell.

Sources: thescholarlynote.com

Chenoweth continued to mourn Kirk in her Instagram Stories, where she called his murder 'a sad, senseless, and disgusting act'

She followed her post up be sharing a post originating from X that called Kirk's murder 'horrifying and unacceptable'

Several users on X claimed that Chenoweth was a Republican without evidence

The claims conflicted with Chenoweth's support of Democratic presidential nominees Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, as well as her pro-LGBTQ statements; pictured with Idina Menzel at the 2003 opening night of Wicked on Broadway

Many posters urged Chenoweth to refrain from posting about Kirk's death

Others suggested that she had been eclipsed by other actresses who have portrayed Wicked's Glinda, including Megan Hilty and Ariana Grande, due to her posts grieving Kirk's death

One poster saluted Wicked film star Melissa Bode for a video in which she defended not mourning Kirk due to his publicly stated views and actions and compared Chenoweth unfavorably to her

Although the actress doesn't appear to have explicitly called herself a Republican in the past, she has stated that she is a Christian; pictured August 19 in NYC