Amanda Seyfried on Kirk Comment: 'I'm Not Sorry'
Amanda Seyfried, actor, at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada. Photo courtesy of Saraa.kom under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Amanda Seyfried is refusing to back down after calling the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk "hateful" in an Instagram comment following his assassination. The actress insists her remark was based on documented evidence and refuses to apologize, even as the controversy continues to stir debate across social media and political circles.
The "Mean Girls" star's blunt stance has kept her in the spotlight far beyond her film roles, highlighting the collision of celebrity influence, social media outrage, and the polarizing nature of political figures — even after death. Seyfried's refusal to apologize underscores the tensions that arise when Hollywood voices enter the fraught arena of political discourse, especially in the wake of a violent event.
A Comment That Sparked Backlash
Shortly after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event in Utah, Seyfried reportedly left a terse comment on an Instagram post that compiled some of Kirk's most controversial quotes. The post, shared by the account @So.Informed, highlighted Kirk's disparaging remarks about Black women, immigrants, protesters, birth control, and empathy. Seyfried's comment was simple: "He was hateful," as reported by Entertainment Weekly. This three-word statement ignited a firestorm of criticism from Kirk's supporters and conservative commentators.
Screenshots of the comment circulated widely online, drawing sharp rebukes. Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded, defended his legacy and criticized Seyfried's remark. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, told Fox News Digital that Seyfried "deserved whatever backlash she gets," as reported by the New York Post, and accused her of misunderstanding who Kirk was. Kolvet said that calling Kirk hateful instead of offering condolences after his assassination was itself hateful.
Seyfried Stands Firm
In a recent interview with "Who What Wear," Seyfried doubled down on her comment, refusing to apologize. She said her statement was "based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes," emphasizing that she was expressing an opinion grounded in facts. "I'm not f---ing apologizing for that," she told the outlet. "For f---'s sake, I commented on one thing. What I said was pretty damn factual, and I'm free to have an opinion, of course," as reported by PEOPLE.
Seyfried also explained that she considered deleting the comment but ultimately decided to keep it public to reclaim her voice after what she described as her words being "stolen and recontextualized." She expressed frustration with how her comment was taken out of context and used to fuel further controversy. "Thank God for Instagram. I was able to give some clarity," she said, as reported by PEOPLE.
A Nuanced Response Amid Grief
Following the backlash, Seyfried posted a longer message on Instagram attempting to clarify her position. She acknowledged the tragedy of Kirk's murder and condemned the violence, writing that his death was "absolutely disturbing and deplorable in every way imaginable," as reported by the New York Post. She called for recognition of the "nuance of humanity," saying it was possible to be angry about misogyny and racist rhetoric while also grieving senseless violence. "No one should have to experience this level of violence," she added, urging people to at least agree on that point.
Seyfried's comments reveal the complexity of public reactions to politically charged violence. While condemning the act itself, she maintains a critical view of Kirk's rhetoric, refusing to separate the man from his words.
The Broader Cultural Clash
Seyfried's refusal to apologize has kept her in the cultural conversation, illustrating how celebrity political commentary can ignite fierce debate. She reflected on the challenge of navigating politics as a public figure, noting that she sometimes feels detached from the activism and protests happening around her. "It seems ridiculous at times because people are marching the streets, and I'm not one of them — at least not today," she said, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Seyfried described the need to "keep [her] head on" and focus on her career, acknowledging the pressures of public scrutiny.
Her comments also touched on the experience of younger actors like Sydney Sweeney, who Seyfried believes faces even greater public scrutiny. Seyfried expressed a protective sentiment toward Sweeney, recognizing the intense spotlight on emerging stars in today's social media-driven culture.
The Aftermath of Kirk's Death
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah State University during his "Prove Me Wrong" event, part of his American Comeback Tour. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, faces multiple charges including aggravated murder. Robinson reportedly told his parents he wanted to avoid jail and "just wanted to end it," as reported by PEOPLE, citing court documents.
Since Kirk's death, his widow Erica Kirk has taken over his role at Turning Point USA, continuing his political work amid the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against Robinson.
A Divided Public Reaction
The controversy surrounding Seyfried's comment reflects the broader polarization in American society. Supporters of Kirk view her remarks as disrespectful and inflammatory, especially in the wake of a violent death. Critics and others see her comment as a factual critique of Kirk's public statements and political stance.
Seyfried's refusal to apologize highlights the challenges celebrities face when engaging in political discourse, especially on social media platforms where comments can quickly become flashpoints for outrage and debate.
Her case exemplifies how the intersection of celebrity, politics, and social media can amplify conflicts, keeping stories alive long after the initial event. Whether you agree or disagree with Seyfried's stance, her comments and the reactions they sparked reveal the deep divisions and passionate responses that define today's political and cultural landscape.
The story of Amanda Seyfried and Charlie Kirk is far from over, as the public continues to grapple with the implications of political violence, free speech, and the role of public figures in shaping discourse.
References: Amanda Seyfried Says She's 'Not F-- Apologizing' for Calling Charlie Kirk 'Hateful' After His Death | Amanda Seyfried is 'not f---ing apologizing' for Charlie Kirk comments | 'Mean Girls' actor says she's 'not f---ing apologizing' for Charlie Kirk
