The murder of Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves around the world, leaving many heartbroken. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis was among those who reacted with deep emotion, breaking down in tears when speaking about the tragedy. While many appreciated her compassion, others criticized her for certain comments she made. Now, Curtis has spoken publicly in response to the backlash.

Shortly after Kirk’s death, Curtis discussed her feelings on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast. She said that although she “disagreed with him on almost every point,” she believed that he was “a man of faith,” and that this mattered in his final moments.

Her voice grew emotional as she continued. Curtis said she hoped that in the moment of Kirk’s death, he felt connected to his faith. She emphasized that despite finding his ideas abhorrent, she still recognized him as a father, a husband, and someone who held a belief in God.

Curtis also reflected on the circulation of violent imagery online. Through tears, she compared the repeated sharing of Kirk’s shooting video to the endless replays of 9/11 footage, questioning the long-term psychological impact of being exposed to such events again and again.

Many listeners praised Curtis for her empathy, noting that she was willing to show compassion beyond political divides. They saw her comments as a rare example of holding space for human dignity even amid strong disagreement.

Others, however, condemned her remarks. Some accused her of softening or excusing Kirk’s controversial beliefs, particularly his rejection of transgender identity — an issue that is personal for Curtis, who has a transgender daughter. This criticism amplified the intensity of the debate around her comments.

In a new interview with Variety, Jamie Lee Curtis addressed the backlash directly. She said the viral excerpt circulating online distorted her meaning and suggested she was praising Kirk, which she insists she was not. She clarified that she was speaking specifically about his faith, not endorsing his views.

Curtis went on to comment about today’s polarized climate. She said that people are no longer allowed to hold two ideas at once — to acknowledge someone’s humanity while rejecting their ideology. She compared this tension to her own experience as a Jewish woman who supports Israel’s right to exist while also condemning the destruction in Gaza, noting that such nuance often leads to vilification.