What did Ashley Tisdale say in tribute to Charlie Kirk’s assassination? Details explored as actress responds to backlash

Ashley Tisdale has addressed the backlash she received after sharing her tribute to Charlie Kirk.

In a September 18, 2025, post, the High School Musical actress took to her Instagram story to share her response to the online criticism she had faced earlier. She wrote, even if we disagree with someone’s views, or find them offensive, then “violence is never the answer.”

She added that she stands for “equal rights for everyone,” including women’s rights, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She said she also supports protecting reproductive rights and implementing “common-sense” gun laws.

In her ode to Kirk, which she posted shortly after his assassination on September 10, 2025, Ashley Tisdale wrote on her Instagram story:

“24 years ago feels very different from today. Where we once were united and grieving together as a country, today we see someone die and blame his politics and opinions. Everyone in that building had different views and opinions, when we stop caring about loss of life we are done.”

Continue to read more.

Other celebrities who disappointed fans with their support for Charlie Kirk

Ashley Tisdale is not the only one whose support for Charlie Kirk has drawn online hatred. Many other celebrities, such as Selma Blair, Kristin Chenoweth, Jennifer Coolidge, and David Boreanaz, faced a similar backlash from the netizens for their sympathetic tributes. Here is what we know.

Selma Blair

According to the screenshots circulating online, the 53-year-old left a comment on one of Charlie Kirk’s posts. She wrote:

“This incredible man. Who would go into the cauldron of indoctrination. And use logic to have dialogue. I am sick for his family. For all of us.”

Following the criticism, she was forced to turn off the comments section on her Instagram.

Kristin Chenoweth

Following Kirk’s death, she commented on his final video on Instagram, where he argued against abortion to a college student. She wrote:

“I’m. So. Upset. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.”

Jennifer Coolidge

She disappointed her fans, who noted that she was following Kirk on Instagram. Her support for him upset many fans, given Kirk’s controversial political views.

David Boreanaz

Fans were in a state of shock to notice that David Boreanaz was following Charlie Kirk and several official Trump-related social media channels. His action surprised many, especially his Buffy the Vampire Slayer fandom.

Celebs who didn’t share the same beliefs as Charlie Kirk also posted tributes on his death, including Rosie O’Donnell, Jimmy Kimmel, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Amanda Seyfried, Amanda Seales, Michael Keaton, Christina Ricci, Stephen King, and Ava Raine.

In an interview on Fox & Friends, President Donald Trump paid a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk, describing him as someone “sort of like a son” to him. Trump fondly remembered him, reflecting how Kirk started his movement during what would normally be college years. He said:

“Don said to me, ‘He’s sort of like a son to you…’ He started this really during what would normally be college… and it’s become a movement… I’ve never seen young people, or any group, go to one person like they did to Charlie.”

Trump announced that Kirk will be posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback