Jerry Seinfeld’s Controversial Remarks at Duke University Spark Backlash
Funnyman Jerry Seinfeld has sparked violent debate following a surprise appearance at Duke University, where he controversially compared the” Free Palestine” movement to the Ku Klux Klan.
His commentary have drawn strong responses from scholars and faculty likewise.
During an unannounced event, Seinfeld introduced Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli man held hostage for 505 days by Hamas after the October 7, 2023, attacks.
In his remarks, Seinfeld stated: “Free Palestine is, to me, just, you’re free to say you don’t like Jews. Just say you don’t like Jews.”
He further added, “By saying ‘Free Palestine,’ you’re not admitting what you really think. So it’s actually, compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, ‘We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews.’ Okay, that’s honest.”
Jerry Seinfeld compared the #FreePalestine movement to the KKK:
“Just say you don’t like Jews. By saying ‘Free Palestine,’ you’re not admitting what you really think. So it’s actually — compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better… pic.twitter.com/bXbXGQrFAD
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 10, 2025
These commentaries have sparked heated conversations across social and traditional media.
A Duke University spokesperson clarified: “Duke does not preview nor approve the remarks of outside speakers, and their presence on campus should not be interpreted as institutional endorsement.”
The university stressed its commitment to an inclusive terrain, noting that inviting speakers doesn’t indicate agreement with their views.
Seinfeld’s statements have provoked strong responses from the pupil body. Some expressed disappointment and concern over the reflections, pressing the sensitive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic settings.
Similar tensions have also been seen in the UK, where pro-Palestinian protests in London recently led to mass arrests.
Seinfeld has long been a supporter of Israel, especially following the October 2023 Hamas attacks. He has visited Israel to meet families of hostages and intimately affirmed his support for the country and the Jewish community.
Hispro-Israel station has constantly attracted both praise and reviews. In May 2024, Seinfeld faced demurrers during a Duke University memorial degree form, and in June, his show in Sydney was intruded upon by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Despite dislocations, he frequently responded with affront, emphasizing his uproarious approach to controversial motifs.
The funnyman’s recent reflections have boosted conversations around the “Free Palestine” watchword and its interpretations.
Critics argue that Seinfeld’s comparison is seditious and oversimplifies a complex geopolitical issue, while sympathizers say he was pressing what he perceives as hidden antisemitism.
The debate is far from over, with conversations continuing across premises and social media, reflecting the wider pressures girding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
