Dave Chappelle told a New York City audience that he felt better after Charlie Kirk’s murder, drawing laughter and applause as he discussed the conservative activist’s assassination. The comedian acknowledged that he shouldn’t say it publicly before delivering the remark. He then continued with a joke about catching himself in a good mood while driving.
The remarks came during Chappelle’s “Karmageddon” show at Madison Square Garden, where he was booked for November 6th and 7th, 2026, as part of the New York Comedy Festival. New York Comedy Festival and Live Nation presented the performances. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at a college campus event in September 2025.
Chappelle began the would-be comedy segment by talking about the dangers of speaking before an audience. “I feel f—ed up saying this,” he said. “It’s scary being a public speaker.” He then brought up Kirk: “And I mean, look, ever since that guy Charlie Kirk got murdered, and I shouldn’t say this publicly, but I feel better.”
The excerpt was widely circulated in a post on X as well as getting mentioned by commentator and author Rob Henderson. Breitbart reported that some audience members applauded and laughed. Chappelle continued: “I know I shouldn’t say that but, it’s just a feeling. I didn’t ask to feel this way.” He followed that with: “I just be driving around like, ‘why am I in such a good mood? Oh!’”
The second Madison Square Garden performance had been added after strong ticket demand, according to Live Nation’s September 17th announcement. The November 6th booking was Chappelle’s previously announced opening-night appearance for the festival, with November 7th added afterward. His fall schedule also included arena performances in Nashville, Charlotte, Toronto, Louisville, Austin and Houston before the back-to-back New York dates.
The footage circulated despite restrictions on recording at the performances. Madison Square Garden’s event listing prohibited cellphones, cameras, tablets, laptops, smartwatches and smart glasses at the artist’s request. Small devices were to be secured in Yondr pouches, which guests retained during the show. Those needing access to their devices could use designated unlocking stations in the lobby, with the pouches otherwise remaining locked until the performance ended.
Watch Chappelle’s remarks about Kirk here:
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— Lucky Teter (@TheMagaHulk) November 8, 2026
Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10th, 2025. He had been engaging with students during a stop on his “American Comeback Tour.” Tyler Robinson has been charged with Kirk’s murder, according to Breitbart’s report, which also said a judge ruled in September that Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.
Chappelle himself was attacked while performing at the Hollywood Bowl on May 3rd, 2022. ABC7 reported that a man rushed the stage and tackled him, and that police arrested Isaiah Lee on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities recovered a weapon resembling a firearm from the incident. “The replica handgun, which contained a knife blade, was recovered and booked as evidence,” police said. Chappelle was not injured and continued with the show. His spokesperson said Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the audience before he introduced the evening’s final musical guests, the hip-hop duo Black Star.
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video.