Amanda Seyfried refuses to apologize for calling Charlie Kirk 'hateful'
What's the story
Hollywood actor Amanda Seyfried has refused to apologize for calling conservative activist Charlie Kirk "hateful" after his murder. Speaking to Who What Wear, as part of her The Testament of Ann Lee press tour, she insisted that her comments were factual and taken out of context. "I'm not f**king apologizing for that... I said something that was based on actual reality and actual footage and actual quotes," she said.
Backlash
Seyfried's comments on Kirk's murder sparked controversy
After Kirk's death on September 10, which occurred during a college speaking event in Utah, Seyfried had commented: "He was hateful." This sparked backlash from conservatives who accused her of implying that his murder was justified. However, she quickly clarified her stance in an Instagram post, stating that no one should have to experience such violence. The Oscar nominee also condemned the rising violence in the country.
Clarification
'I don't want to add fuel to a fire'
Seyfried wrote, "I don't want to add fuel to a fire. I just want to be able to give clarity to something so irresponsibly (but understandably) taken out of context." "We're forgetting the nuance of humanity," she added, emphasizing that she can be angry about misogyny and racist rhetoric while also condemning Kirk's murder.
Industry reaction
Seyfried was among Hollywood figures who condemned Kirk's death
Seyfried was one of several Hollywood figures who condemned Kirk's death while publicly disagreeing with his politics. Jamie Lee Curtis also addressed the shooting on Marc Maron's WTF podcast, expressing her disagreement with Kirk's views but acknowledging him as a man of faith. "I disagreed with him on almost every point I ever heard him say, but I believe he was a man of faith," Curtis said.
National discourse
Kirk's murder sparked national conversations about political rhetoric
Kirk's murder at 31 during his American Comeback Tour stop at Utah Valley University sparked national conversations about political rhetoric, violence, and the increasing number of targeted attacks across the US. His death has raised questions about the safety of public figures and the role of political discourse in inciting violence.