Kristin Chenoweth, whose about to star in the upcoming Broadway musical The Queen of Versailles, is opening up about the flack from fans she caught last week after posting a social media message interpreted as sympathetic to slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Chenoweth, who has a large LGBTQ+ following, received numerous critical responses on Instagram for her post following the September 10 assassination of Kirk. 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 immediately. Heaven. But still.”
The actress, who speaks often of her Christian faith, was inundated with Instagram responses critical of her post, many questioning which of Kirk’s “perspectives” she appreciated.
For the first time since last week’s post, Chenoweth addressed the controversy today in an interview with theater corresondent Frank DiLella of Spectrum News/NY1. (movie the interview below.)
Asked 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, trans rights. So I ask, what were you hoping to convey with that post?”
An emotional Chenoweth, choking up as she responded, said “I”m sorry if emotion gets involved here, forgive me.” Then continued that, 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. It’s no secret that I’m a Christian, that I’m a person of faith. 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.”
When DiLella observed that her Instagram post had been met with “mixed reactions,” Chenoweth said, “Mixed? You’re being kind.”
movie the interview below. The discussion of the comment about Kirk starts at the 1:35 mark.
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