‘It Nearly Broke Me’: Actress Kristin Chenoweth Responds To Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Comments
“Wicked” star Kristin Chenoweth said she was shaken by the backlash over her comments about Charlie Kirk’s death.
In an interview published Monday by The Hollywood Reporter, Chenoweth said she was shocked by the harsh criticism she faced after sharing a heartfelt message on social media.
She commented under Kirk’s latest Instagram post, writhing, “I’m. So. Upset. I didn’t always agree but I appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak,” and concluded her post with a broken heart emoji.
Almost instantly, some members of the LGBTQ+ community – a significant segment of her fan base – turned against the actress for her response.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Kristin Chenoweth attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Universal Pictures “Wicked” at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on November 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Chenoweth’s emotional reaction to her killing sparked outrage among some of her fans. She declined to comment further on the subject during her interview, beyond a single sentence ending the subject.
“It was hard for me, but I’m not going to answer any questions about it because I’ve dealt with it,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“It almost broke me, and that’s all I’m going to say. You probably know my heart, so you probably know it,” she said.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Kristin Chenoweth attends the 78th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Chenoweth previously addressed the negative reaction from local news outlet NY1.
“I saw what happened [to Kirk] online with my own eyes, and I had a human moment of reflection. … It’s no secret that I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. (RELATED: ‘The Giant Star in the Night Sky Just Darkened’: Charlie Sheen Speaks Out on Charlie Kirk’s Murder)
Elsewhere in the interview, the actress discussed her return to Broadway in “The Queen of Versailles” and she spoke candidly about the famous men she dated.
