Current:Home > ScamsJerry Seinfeld's comedy show interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters after Duke walkouts -RiseUp Capital Academy
Jerry Seinfeld's comedy show interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters after Duke walkouts
NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 11:07:41
Another Jerry Seinfeld event has been disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The comedian was interrupted by numerous hecklers during a performance on Saturday evening at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, less than a week after pro-Palestinian protesters walked out of his commencement address at Duke University.
A video published by TMZ showed a protester standing up and shouting at Seinfeld during his performance, "You're a genocide supporter." In another video shared on X, protesters could be heard shouting, "Save the children of Gaza."
In the TMZ clip, Seinfeld sarcastically tells a protester that their message is "resonating with the crowd" amid loud boos, and also quips, "I like a little Jew hate to spice up the show." The protester is seen being forcibly removed, while audience members chant, "Jerry, Jerry!" to show their support for the comedian.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Seinfeld for comment. A representative for SevenVenues confirmed to USA TODAY that about 10 people interrupted the comedian's sold-out 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday and were removed by security without further incident.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"We are deeply disappointed that a group of protestors disrupted tonight's sold-out Jerry Seinfeld performance at Chrysler Hall," SevenVenues said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. "SevenVenues stands by its policy to remove hecklers and those who disrupt a performance, and will continue to protect the freedom of its patrons to enjoy an artist of their choosing without disruption."
Students walk out at Duke commencement:They were protesting Jerry Seinfeld's speech after the comedian's support of Israel
The incident came after students walked out of Seinfeld's commencement address at Duke University last Sunday. The "Seinfeld" co-creator has been supportive of Israel amid the country's war in Gaza, and some who walked out of his speech were seen holding Palestinian flags.
Last year, Seinfeld paid a visit to Israel in the wake of Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack. He later told GQ that "every Jewish person I know was surprised by how hostile the reaction was" to his trip, but added that he doesn't regret it. "I don't preach about it," he told the outlet. "I have my personal feelings about it that I discuss privately. It's not part of what I can do comedically, but my feelings are very strong."
Jerry Seinfeld talked 'Unfrosted':His new Netflix movie is about the making of Pop-Tarts
In an April interview with "In Depth With Graham Bensinger," Seinfeld also said he visited Israel because he wanted to "be supportive to the Israelis" at a time when antisemitism "seems to be rekindling in some areas."
Seinfeld has not publicly commented on the Duke or Chrysler Hall protests. In his Duke commencement speech, the comedian instead spoke to students about the importance of maintaining their sense of humor.
"I grew up a Jewish boy from New York," Seinfeld also said at Duke, prompting applause. "That is a privilege if you want to be a comedian."
veryGood! (772)
Related
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Southern California hires Eric Musselman as men's basketball coach
- Michael Douglas on Franklin, and his own inspiring third act
- Molly Ringwald thinks her daughter was born out of a Studio 54 rendezvous, slams 'nepo babies'
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Judge orders Border Patrol to quickly relocate migrant children from open-air sites in California
- Paul McCartney praises Beyoncé's magnificent version of Blackbird in new album
- Avoid these common tax scams as the April 15 filing deadline nears
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Oakland A's to play 2025-27 seasons in Sacramento's minor-league park
Ranking
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- US jobs report for March is likely to point to slower but still-solid hiring
- Powerball winning numbers for April 3 drawing: Did anyone win $1.09 billion jackpot?
- Unmarked grave controversies prompt DOJ to assist Mississippi in next-of-kin notifications
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- New survey of U.S. teachers carries a message: It is getting harder and harder
- Man's body believed to have gone over Niagara Falls identified more than 30 years later
- Bachelor Nation's Blake Moynes Made a Marriage Pact With This Love Is Blind Star
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
The US has more 'million-dollar cities' than ever, Zillow says. Here's what that means.
London police say suspects in stabbing of Iran International journalist fled U.K. just hours after attack
80-year-old American tourist killed in elephant attack during game drive in Zambia
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
Wisconsin man ordered to stand trial on neglect charge in February disappearance of boy, 3
Video shows Tyson's trainer wincing, spitting fluid after absorbing punches from Iron Mike
Sex, drugs and the Ramones: CNN’s Camerota ties up ‘loose ends’ from high school