MCU Star Sparks Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Death Comment
Chris Pratt, best known for his role as Star-Lord in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, faced online criticism after posting a tribute to Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old associate of President Donald Trump who recently passed away.
On September 10, Pratt shared a post on X writing, “I am praying for Charlie and his wife, young children, and our country. We need God’s grace. God, help us.”
The post drew backlash from some users, who questioned why he hadn’t mentioned other tragedies, including school shootings.
Comments included, “Did you also pray for the families of the Denver school shooting victims?” and, “Why didn’t you say anything about the children shot dead in schools today?”
Pratt has often been labeled a Trump supporter, though he has never publicly endorsed the president.
Critics point to his attendance at a far-right church and his absence from a 2020 fundraising event for Democratic candidate Joe Biden as evidence of his political leanings. Despite the criticism, many Americans, regardless of political views, expressed sympathy and joined Pratt in mourning Kirk. Other celebrities also posted tributes online.
The response to Pratt’s tribute highlights a broader pattern of public figures facing consequences for comments related to politically sensitive events. For example, Drew Harrison, a senior character artist at Sucker Punch Productions, lost her job after making controversial social media posts about the same incident.
Similarly, the DC Red Hood limited series was canceled following offensive remarks by Gretchen Felker Martin online. A website called Charlie’s Murderers also emerged in response to jokes and violent memes about Kirk from left-leaning online communities.
Social media has made it easier than ever for people to voice outrage, but it also shows how quickly public reactions can escalate. Pratt’s tribute sparked debate about consistency in responses to tragedy, while others lost careers over their comments. It raises questions about accountability, politics, and public expression. What do you think? Should people be punished for online posts like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.