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A viral video showing pro-Palestinian protestors interrupting Jerry Seinfeld's comedy show in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday, May 18, 2023, is making rounds online. The video, published by TMZ, shows a protestor standing up mid-performance and shouting at the 70-year-old comedian:
"You're a genocide supporter. You should be ashamed of yourself," and 'Save the children of Gaza.'"
The footage shows the protestor being forcibly removed from the venue as the audience cheers in support of Seinfeld. The incident occurred just days after some students at Duke University walked out during Seinfeld's commencement speech, where he received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. The students were seen holding the Palestinian flag.
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As the video went viral, internet users were quick to react. Many expressed approval of the crowd's support for Seinfeld and questioned how heckling him would help Palestine.
Others applauded the protestors, calling them brave and criticizing the audience for their reaction.
"I like a little Jew hate to spice up the show" — Jerry Seinfeld reacts to the heckling
In the clip published by TMZ, amid the protestor's heckling, the audience can be heard booing. Jerry Seinfeld then sarcastically told the protestor his message was "resonating with the crowd." He quipped:
"I like a little Jew hate to spice up the show."
The heckler was forcibly removed from the venue, with the crowd cheering and chanting "Jerry! Jerry!" as he was escorted out.
According to USA Today, the organizers, SevenVenues, addressed the incident and confirmed that about 10 people interrupted the comedian's sold-out show and were removed without further incidents. They shared a statement with the publication:
"We are deeply disappointed that a group of protestors disrupted tonight's sold-out Jerry Seinfeld performance at Chrysler Hall. 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."
The Unfrosted director has recently faced criticism for voicing his support of Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2024, Hamas attack. A few weeks after the attack, Jerry Seinfeld visited Israel. In a later interview with GQ, he mentioned that every Jewish person he knows was surprised at the hostile reaction to his trip. He also stated that he does not regret making the trip.
During his April 2024 appearance on In Depth With Graham Bensinger, the actor-comedian told the host he visited the country to "be supportive of the Israelis" at a time when antisemitism "seems to be rekindling in some areas." Seinfeld was also one of hundreds of artists and filmmakers who signed an open letter in support of Israel.
As of now, neither Jerry Seinfeld nor his representative have released a statement about the heckling.
