Highlights:
- Charlie Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University during his “America Comeback Tour”
- A recent South Park parody of Kirk drew criticism following the shooting
- Supporters accused the show’s creators of fueling hatred, with cancellation calls trending online
- Kirk himself had publicly laughed off the parody, calling it “hilarious”
- Next episode of South Park is scheduled for September 17, with no changes announced
Shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, where he was hosting the first event of his “America Comeback Tour.”
According to university spokeswoman Ellen Treanor, only one shot was fired. Utah Valley University police chief Jeff Long said six officers and Kirk’s private security were present at the event, which drew around 3,000 attendees.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on his Truth Social platform, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.”
South Park parody sparks criticism
The shooting has renewed scrutiny of the animated series South Park. In August, the show aired a parody episode titled “Got a Nut”, in which Eric Cartman portrayed a version of Kirk during a college campus debate. The character mimicked Kirk’s style, mannerisms, and debating approach.
Some supporters of Kirk accused the show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, of fostering hostility. One online post said: “South Park certainly fomented the hatred necessary to get Kirk assassinated.” Another wrote: “Trey Parker and Matt Stone are responsible for this.”
Calls for the show’s cancellation trended on social media, with some critics alleging political bias in its portrayals.
Kirk’s reaction to the parody
Despite the controversy, Kirk himself had taken the satire in stride. Before the episode aired on August 6, he said in a video: “They’re going to obviously make fun of me ... but I think it’s kind of funny and it kind of goes to show the cultural impact and the resonance that our movement has been able to achieve.”
The next day, Kirk described the parody as “hilarious” in a TikTok post, adding that conservatives should not “take ourselves so seriously.”
What’s next for South Park
The next episode of South Park is scheduled to air on Wednesday, September 17. As of now, no scheduling changes have been announced by the network despite the backlash.
