Two liberal podcast hosts are facing intense criticism after laughing at a disturbing joke about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking widespread backlash and prompting several major advertisers to distance themselves from their show.
Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, hosts of the progressive I’ve Had It podcast, found themselves at the center of controversy after a clip from their November 5 episode circulated widely on social media.
The incident quickly became a national political controversy, raising questions about civility, political violence, and the responsibility of influential media personalities.
Both women have since issued an apology, but the fallout has continued as businesses reconsider their advertising relationships with the program.
Liberal Podcast Hosts Face Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Remarks
The controversy began when Welch and Sullivan were discussing Democratic victories in the 2026 midterm elections.
During the episode, the hosts read social media posts from listeners celebrating the election results and criticizing Republicans.
One message referenced Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated in September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The post made a disturbing joke about Kirk’s death, suggesting that the violence against him should be repeated.
Instead of rejecting the remark, both hosts began laughing.
Welch eventually responded with a brief refusal to comment, while Sullivan continued discussing Kirk’s assassination.
The exchange drew immediate attention after video clips spread across social media platforms.
Many viewers criticized the hosts for appearing amused by a remark involving the death of a political opponent.
Kirk was a prominent conservative commentator and political organizer who helped build Turning Point USA into a major organization focused on engaging younger Americans in conservative politics.
His assassination prompted national mourning among supporters and renewed concerns about the growing threat of political violence.
Comments About Kirk’s Suspected Killer Raise Additional Concerns
The controversy did not end with the original joke.
During the same discussion, Welch and Sullivan suggested that the man accused of killing Kirk was politically connected to President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.
However, the hosts did not provide evidence establishing that characterization.
The accused suspect, Tyler Robinson, was previously reported to be unaffiliated with any political party in Utah voter registration records.
The remarks prompted additional criticism from commentators who questioned why the hosts would make political assumptions about a serious criminal case.
The episode highlighted the dangers of allowing partisan rhetoric to replace verified information, particularly when discussing politically motivated violence.
For many Americans, the controversy represented another example of how deeply political divisions have affected public conversations.
Advertisers Distance Themselves From Controversial Podcast
As the video gained attention, criticism began extending beyond the podcast’s audience.
Several companies publicly addressed their relationships with the program, with some confirming that they were ending or had already ended their advertising arrangements.
Cash App announced that it was no longer sponsoring the podcast and emphasized that it did not support violence.
Online pet retailer Chewy also distanced itself from the show, stating that the hosts’ remarks did not reflect the company’s values.
Other businesses, including eyewear retailer Zenni Optical, also responded to the controversy and took steps to distance their brands from the program.
The reaction demonstrated how quickly controversial political commentary can create financial and reputational consequences for media personalities.
Advertisers frequently evaluate whether the programs they support align with their public image and corporate standards.
In this case, the backlash placed additional pressure on companies associated with the podcast.
Conservative Commentators Speak Out
Conservative activists and political commentators were among the most vocal critics of the episode.
Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative advocate, criticized the hosts’ behavior, while commentator Collin Rugg drew attention to the exchange on social media.
David Bozell, president of the Media Research Center, also raised questions about companies continuing to advertise alongside such controversial content.
The criticism reflected broader frustration among conservatives who believe political hostility has increasingly become acceptable when directed at their movement.
However, objections to the remarks were not limited to Republican voices.
Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff also criticized the incident, arguing that the behavior distracted from Democrats’ recent political successes.
His reaction demonstrated that concerns about the podcast extended beyond traditional partisan divisions.
While political humor and sharp criticism are common in American media, joking about someone’s assassination raises a different set of concerns.
Podcast Hosts Release Public Apology
Facing mounting pressure, Welch and Sullivan issued a joint apology on November 7 through the podcast’s Instagram account.
The hosts acknowledged that laughing at the joke was inappropriate and said they regretted their reaction.
They also emphasized that political disagreements should never diminish the seriousness of gun violence.
As part of their response, the hosts announced that they had donated to Everytown for Gun Safety, a national organization advocating measures intended to prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths.
The apology was an attempt to address the public criticism and clarify their position on violence.
However, it did not immediately end the controversy.
The hosts subsequently criticized efforts by Turning Point USA supporters to pressure advertisers, adding another dimension to the public dispute.
Meanwhile, the podcast’s original controversial exchange was reportedly removed from the published episode after the backlash.
Charlie Kirk Controversy Highlights Growing Political Divisions
The dispute comes during a period of heightened political tension in the United States.
Americans remain deeply divided over issues ranging from immigration and government spending to public safety, education, and the direction of the federal government.
Those disagreements are a fundamental part of the nation’s democratic system.
However, the reaction to the podcast incident illustrates an important distinction between criticizing someone’s political beliefs and making light of violence against that person.
Kirk’s death devastated his family, friends, colleagues, and supporters.
Regardless of political affiliation, the loss of human life carries consequences that extend far beyond partisan disagreements.
The controversy also raises larger questions about the standards Americans should expect from public commentators.
Podcast hosts, television personalities, and other influential figures have considerable freedom to express political opinions.
With that influence, however, comes heightened public scrutiny.
Statements intended as humor can quickly undermine public trust when audiences believe they cross basic boundaries of decency.
Political Disagreements Should Never Excuse Violence
The backlash surrounding the I’ve Had It podcast demonstrates that offensive remarks can carry lasting consequences, especially when they involve serious acts of violence.
Welch and Sullivan have apologized for their reaction, but the controversy continues to generate discussion about political accountability and the boundaries of acceptable commentary.
The response from advertisers also shows that businesses are increasingly attentive to the public behavior of the personalities they sponsor.
For Americans concerned about the direction of political discourse, the incident offers a reminder that disagreement does not have to eliminate compassion or respect.
Conservatives and liberals may hold sharply different opinions about the future of the country, but the dignity of human life should remain above partisan considerations.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the liberal podcast hosts underscores a basic principle: political differences should never become an excuse to celebrate, dismiss, or make light of violence against another American.