Jerry Seinfeld Compares Free Palestine Movement to KKK at Duke Event

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld sparked controversy during a surprise appearance at Duke University where he compared the "Free Palestine" movement to the Ku Klux Klan, calling the movement antisemitic and accusing its supporters of dishonesty about their true intentions. Seinfeld stated that saying "Free Palestine" is a veiled way of expressing hatred toward Jews, and controversially suggested that the Klan is more honest because it openly expresses its bigotry. The event, which was not publicly announced, featured Omer Shem Tov, a former Israeli hostage held captive by Hamas, and was primarily organized by Chabad at Duke. Duke University clarified that it does not preview speakers' remarks and does not endorse their views. Seinfeld's remarks come amid his longstanding vocal support for Israel, which has previously provoked protests, including walkouts at his Duke commencement speech and heckling at his comedy shows. The comments have drawn sharp criticism, including from groups asserting that "Free Palestine" is a legitimate call for justice and that conflating it with hate groups misrepresents the movement and the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict.