Kristin Chenoweth recently shared her experience navigating the challenging aftermath following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September. The renowned Broadway star, known for her impressive career and Tony award, found herself in a difficult position when she seemingly expressed agreement with some of Kirk’s controversial views.
At 57, Chenoweth faced significant backlash from fans, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, who were disheartened by her apparent support of Kirk’s stances. The situation nearly overwhelmed her, yet she remains reticent to delve into the details. “It was tough on me, but I’m not going to answer any questions about it because I dealt with it,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on Monday.
Chenoweth reflected on the impact the situation had on her, acknowledging the strain it caused due to the discord it stirred among her fans. She candidly admitted, “It nearly broke me, and that’s all I’m going to say. You probably know my heart, so you probably know.”
Following Kirk’s tragic death at Utah Valley University on September 10, Chenoweth expressed her sorrow publicly on Instagram. The Oklahoma native, who has long been a beloved figure in the entertainment world, found herself grappling with this personal and public turmoil.
‘It nearly broke me, and that’s all I’m going to say,’ Chenoweth said. ‘You probably know my heart, so you probably know.’
The Oklahoma-born beauty expressed her grief on Instagram after Kirk was gunned down at Utah Valley University September 10.
Kristin Chenoweth, 57, has opened up about the tough spot she found herself in following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September. Pictured in NYC last month
Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University September 10 during an event
‘I’m. So. Upset,’ she said. ‘Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.’
Chenoweth called the shocking murder ‘such a sad, senseless, and disgusting act!’
She wrapped up in saying, ‘Wow….prayers for the Kirk family and prayers for our nation.’
Some of the social media backlash to Chenoweth’s public grieving over Kirk’s centered around her political views.
One user wrote, ‘How many times does it need to be said that Kristen Chenoworth is a Republican woman?!?!?!?!?
‘She voted for Trump, she 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.’
Chenoweth had posted a pro-Kamala Harris song on her social media last fall during election season; and had past publicly supported Democratic presidential candidates in former President Joe Biden in 2020; and Hillary Clinton in 2016.
At the time of the killing of the conservative activist, Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair had penned a post expressing her disgust about what had happened.
The Oklahoma-born beauty expressed her grief on Instagram after Kirk was gunned down at Utah Valley University September 10
A number of the Broadway star’s fans were put off by her reaction to the shooting
Blair said: ‘This incredible man. Who would go into the cauldron of indoctrination. And use logic to have dialogue. I am sick for his family. For all of us.’
Chenoweth wrote as a reply, ‘What you said Selma.’
Blair was also inundated with negative feedback, leading her to switch off the commenting option on her social media.
‘Whooooaaaa, I’ve never seen this comment before,’ said one user. ‘Holy s***. Man, this bums me out.
‘I’d say we should know less about each other, but I guess I’m glad I know this is the kind of person she really is.’
Another user remarked, ‘I kind of miss the days before social media when celebrities didn’t share every thought that entered their head.’
Said one user: ‘Oh nooooooo I used to like her! Damn.’
Chenoweth is currently headlining The Queen of Versailles, which signifies her return to Broadway after a decade
Chenoweth faced criticism on social media following her remarks about Kirk’s death
Chenoweth previously chat with Spectrum News/NY about her gut reaction to the fatal shooting, characterizing it as a ‘human moment of reflection.’
Chenoweth said: ‘I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so badly. I would never.’
Chenoweth explained the tightrope she walked in her personal life balancing her religious beliefs with her social views.
‘It’s no secret that I’m a Christian, that I’m a person of faith,’ she stated. ‘It’s also no secret that I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for some, that doesn’t go together. But for me, it always has and it always will.’
Chenoweth is currently headlining The Queen of Versailles, which signifies her return to Broadway after a decade. She previously was the headliner in 2015’s On The 20th Century.
