Jerry Seinfeld on Tuesday said he holds the Ku Klux Klan in higher regard than supporters of the Free Palestine movement while at an event to honor people being held hostage in Gaza.

The comic-actor, 71, made the controversial remarks at a Chabad event at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, according to the college’s student newspaper, The Duke Chronicle.

Seinfeld broached the uncomfortable topic as he introduced Omer Shem Tov, a one-time Israeli hostage. He said of Free Palestine supporters, ‘Just say you don’t like Jews.’

The Brooklyn, New York native explained his point of view at the event, according to the student paper.

‘By saying Free Palestine, you’re not admitting what you really think,’ Seinfeld said. ‘So it’s actually – compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, “We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews” – OK, that’s honest.’

Daily Mail has reached out to Seinfeld’s agent for further comment on the story. 

According to the student paper, Seinfeld’s ‘appearance at the event, which was open only to Duke students, faculty and staff, was not publicized beforehand.’

In a statement, a Duke University spokesperson said that the institution’s welcoming of guest speakers ‘does not imply any endorsement of their remarks.’

The spokesperson added that ‘the student group Chabad at Duke was the lead organizer of Tuesday’s event and invited the speakers.

‘Omer Shem Tov was introduced by Jerry Seinfeld, who requested his appearance not be announced beforehand given Omer Shem Tov’s spiritual journey during captivity was the focus of the event.’

Chabad student group president Mason Herman, a student at the university, told NBC News that Chabad and the school weren’t liable for the comments made by the Emmy-winning star.

‘This event was highlighting the fact that there are more than 40 hostages still in Gaza; to one, raise awareness of that fact, and, two, to share their plight while in captivity,’ Herman said. ‘And to share Omer’s story.’

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.

In the months following the attack, Seinfeld went to Tel Aviv and chat with the families of hostages.

Seinfeld said that a missile attack happened while he was there, and he gained a new insight into the atrocities of war.

Seinfeld on Tuesday said that he hoped to ‘call attention to the plight of the hostages’ with his public commentary on the topic. He added, ‘So to be here tonight and experiencing this is really incredible.’

Seinfeld presented the university’s Commencement in May of 2024, leading to protests from students over his stated views on the Middle East conflict. Around 100 graduating students left the ceremony early.