Kristin Chenoweth has formally addressed criticism arising from her public expressions of grief following the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk on September 10.
Mr. Kirk, aged 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by gunfire while delivering remarks at Utah Valley University during the commencement of his 15-date American Comeback Tour, an event designed to engage college students in political debate.
On the same day, Ms. Chenoweth, age 57, posted on Instagram: “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.” She subsequently shared on Instagram Stories that the assassination constituted “such a sad, senseless, and disgusting act! Wow… prayers for the Kirk family and prayers for our nation.”
The actress and singer, who identifies as a “non-judgmental, liberal Christian,” faced immediate backlash from some members of the LGBTQIA community, citing Mr. Kirk’s record of opposition to their rights. In response, Ms. Chenoweth clarified during an appearance on Spectrum News NY1:
“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. 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.”
Meanwhile, the alleged perpetrator, Tyler James Robinson, age 22, is being detained without bond in the Special Housing Unit of Utah County Jail. He faces charges including capital murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice/witness tampering, and committing violence in the presence of a child. Prosecutors have indicated that the death penalty is under consideration should he be convicted. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 29.
Mr. Kirk is survived by his spouse, Erika Kirk, and their two children, both under the age of three. A memorial service is set to be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Separately, Ms. Chenoweth continues preparations for her Broadway return in The Queen of Versailles, scheduled to begin previews on October 8 and officially open on November 9 at the St. James Theatre in Manhattan. The production, adapted from Lauren Greenfield’s 2012 documentary, features music by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Lindsey Ferrentino, under the direction of Michael Arden. Academy Award-winner F. Murray Abraham will portray the late David Siegel.
It marks Ms. Chenoweth’s first Broadway musical appearance in a decade, her last having been in On the Twentieth Century. Commenting on the forthcoming production, she stated: “I’m ready to birth this baby. I’m ready for the country, the world to see what we have been working on so hard.”
Ms. Kristin Chenoweth remarked that, having long managed and shaped her own career trajectory, the transition into producing constituted a logical progression, further noting her gratitude toward those who entrusted her with such responsibility. She added that, at the age of fifty-seven, she now seeks roles of greater complexity that will provide both artistic challenge and personal fulfillment.
In addition to her work on The Queen of Versailles, Ms. Chenoweth is slated to star as Tammy Istiny, a junior college cheerleading coach, in Stumble, a single-camera mockumentary comedy created by Jeff Astrof and Liz Astrof, scheduled to premiere on NBC on November 7.
Beyond her stage and screen endeavors, Ms. Chenoweth actively engages in commercial partnerships, serving as a brand influencer for entities including Nom Nom, Olipop, Swarovski, and Laura Geller Beauty.
On a personal note, Ms. Chenoweth and her spouse, Mr. Josh Bryant, recently commemorated their second wedding anniversary on September 2. The couple first became acquainted in 2016 when Mr. Bryant, a guitarist with the band Backroad Anthem, performed at the wedding reception of Ms. Chenoweth’s niece.#newsafro_
