Kristin Chenoweth expressed sadness and emotional distress following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. She posted a tribute on Instagram saying she was "so upset" and described his death as "a heartbreak," acknowledging that she didn't always agree with him but appreciated some of his perspectives. Chenoweth emphasized her human reaction to the news and later addressed the backlash she received, especially from parts of her large LGBTQ+ fanbase who viewed Kirk as a controversial figure due to his opposition to same-sex marriage and trans rights. In an interview, she said she had "a human moment of reflection" after witnessing the online reactions to her post, realizing that her words had hurt some people, which hurt her deeply. She highlighted that she is both a Christian and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, two identities some see as contradictory but which she believes coexist in her life. Chenoweth explained that her intention was not to hurt anyone, and she apologized if her comment caused pain. She also showed support for another actress's comment appreciating Kirk's engagement in dialogue despite his views.
