What did Michael Keaton say about Charlie Kirk? Birdman actor sparks reactions online over his tribute

Michael Keaton's tribute to Charlie Kirk at the Investigative Reporters and Editor's 50th anniversary gala has sparked controversy online.

Charlie Kirk who founded Turning Point USA and was also known as a Trump ally was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10. Kirk was addressing students at an event when he died of a gunshot wound. He was known for his controversial remarks on abortion, American conservative rights, LGBTQ+, immigration and more.

The actor while reflecting on Kirk's legacy said,

"Before we start to get into the meat of this thing, I'm going to take a minute to say that, regardless of how I probably, not probably, have disagreed with many things he (Charlie Kirk) said. Charlie Kirk leaves behind two kids and a wife. You gotta remember that."

He also went on to add,

"Because in the end, shooting people will never answer anything, and the irony that he was killed with a gun is unbelievable."

Kirk had spoken about protecting gun rights, as per an April 2023 video of Kirk, which resurfaced on the internet after his death.

Michael Keaton's tribute sparks online reactions

Michael Keaton was slammed online on social media platforms after mourning Kirk's death. A user (@DuncanMcLean777) claimed that they were allegedly disappointed by the actor's stance,

"Michael Keaton becomes the latest Hollywood star to mock Charlie Kirk's assassination. Oh, Michael, how you have disappointed me, just like all your Hollywood low-life friends. 😡"

Another user (@MarianaPham) agreed with Michael's support for Kirk and said,

"Respect the disagreement, but remember the family left behind. ❤️"

Another user (@UndeadT800) claimed that Michael lost a fan with this remarks,

"Well I guess I’m not watching Batman returns this Christmas"

Another user (@vocal_ism) slammed the actor for bringing up Kirk's family while mourning his death,

"Love this constant messaging from the left, right, and center that if you don't have kids, your death means less."

Another user (@NakedWarrior74) asked the actor to leave politics and focus on acting instead,

"You're an actor. Leave the politics 🙄"

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What has Charlie Kirk said about gun rights?

As per an April 2023 video which resurfaced on the internet after Charlie Kirk's death, the political activist and Trump ally said,

"You will never live in a society when you have an armed citizenry and you won't have a single gun death. That is nonsense. It's drivel. But I am, I think it's worth it."

He then added,

"I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational. Nobody talks like this. They live in a complete alternate universe."

Kirk made comments about protecting gun rights after a shooting incident at Christian Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2023.

Ironically, Kirk died from a gunshot wound. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested as a suspect of Kirk's muder. Robinson reportedly has no criminal history and as per his voter id, he was registered as "inactive" and was not affiliated with any political party. Robinson was also a member of the Mormon church and while speaking at Utah Valley University, Kirk reportedly made comments about Mormonism while speaking about religion and Christianity.

Kirk had joked and said,

"I love how Mormons have more kids than they can afford."