Charlie Kirk Assassination Video Sparks Backlash Against Podcast

A 39-second video clip has sparked a controversy surrounding the popular progressive-leaning culture and politics podcast "I've Had It. The clip, shared on social media platform X last week, features hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Pumps Sullivan laughing at a post referencing Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist who was assassinated in the past year.

The video has gained widespread attention, with nearly 6 million views and over 18,000 likes. Some users have criticized the hosts' reaction as insensitive to Kirk's passing, calling for a boycott of the podcast. The backlash against the show appears to be growing, with several companies distancing themselves from the program.

At least nine businesses have pulled their sponsorships from I've Had It following the controversy. Online retailer Chewy has been among those to distance itself from the show, releasing a statement on X that it does not support or sponsor the podcast. The company emphasized its commitment to condemning violence in all forms and stated that the hosts' comments do not reflect its values.

Chewy's statement was followed by similar announcements from other companies, which have also expressed their disapproval of the podcast's content. The situation highlights the growing importance of brand reputation and the need for businesses to be mindful of their associations with controversial media outlets.

In response to controversy surrounding a joke made by Charlie Kirk on a recent episode of the 'I've Had It' podcast, several companies have severed ties with the show. Chewy CEO Sumit Singh reiterated his company's decision to pull ads from the podcast in a social media post, doubling down on their stance.

Other businesses to cut ties include Cash App, Zenni, Casper, and Honeylove, which has stated that it will no longer partner with the 'I've Had It' podcast. In an X post, Honeylove emphasized its commitment to promoting non-violent values, distancing itself from the insensitive joke made on the show.

The hosts of the 'I've Had It' podcast apologized for their reaction to Kirk's comment, acknowledging that they should not have laughed at it and expressing regret for their actions. The podcast also announced that it has donated to Everytown for Gun Safety, a leading organization dedicated to preventing gun violence in the US.

This is not the first time a public figure has faced backlash over comments made about Charlie Kirk. Several high-profile incidents, including an incident involving Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, have highlighted the sensitivity surrounding discussions of this nature.

The Pivot Tour 2026 has been marred by controversy after Scott Galloway made critical remarks about Elon Musk during its first stop. The academic, known for his writings on the tech industry, labeled Musk a traitor to the West" and referenced the Rosenbergs, whose execution during the Cold War was widely seen as a symbol of McCarthyism.

The comments sparked outrage from several prominent figures, including Jason Calacanis of the All-In podcast. Professor Brian Keating at the University of California San Diego also expressed his disapproval. Even Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, weighed in on X, stating that Galloway's remarks were a step too far.

The backlash against Galloway and the Pivot Tour 2026 is part of a larger trend of advertisers pulling out of podcasts due to controversy.