Kristin Chenoweth, who is set to star in the upcoming Broadway musical *The Queen of Versailles*, is opening up about the backlash she received last week after posting a social media message that many interpreted as sympathetic to the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Chenoweth, who has a large LGBTQ+ following, faced numerous critical responses on Instagram following her September 10 post after Kirk’s assassination. She wrote:
*“I’m. So. Upset. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.”*
Known for often speaking about her Christian faith, Chenoweth was inundated with comments questioning which of Kirk’s perspectives she appreciated.
For the first time since the post, Chenoweth addressed the controversy in an interview with theater correspondent Frank DiLella of Spectrum News/NY1.
When asked by DiLella, “You have a big LGBTQ+ fan base. You know, for members and allies in the LGBTQ+ community, Charlie was a controversial figure. He openly opposed same-sex marriage and trans rights. So I ask, what were you hoping to convey with that post?” Chenoweth, visibly emotional and choking up, responded:
*“I’m sorry if emotion gets involved here, forgive me. After viewing the viral video of Kirk’s death, I saw what happened online with my own eyes and I had a human moment of reflection right then. I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so badly. I would never…”*
She continued, emphasizing her identity and values:
*“It’s no secret that I’m a Christian, that I’m a person of faith. It’s also no secret that I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for some, that doesn’t go together. But for me, it always has and it always will.”*
DiLella remarked that her Instagram post had received mixed reactions. Chenoweth quickly responded,
*“Mixed? You’re being kind.”*
The full interview, including the discussion about Chenoweth’s comment on Kirk, begins at the 1:35 mark in the video below.
[Watch the interview here]
https://deadline.com/2025/09/kristin-chenoweth-charlie-kirk-1236548649/
