A plain message offering prayers in the wake of the national tragedy has triggered intense debate across cultural lines. Chris Pratt, the Hollywood star of Marvel and Jurassic World, has sparked a major social media backlash for expressing sympathy following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, reflecting the sharp political polarization of modern times.
What Did Chris Pratt Say?
Following the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, Pratt took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his reaction. The actor posted, “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.” The message was a straightforward expression of grief and a call for unity during a violent moment in American life.
Why Did This Simple Message Cause Backlash?
Social media responded quickly and harshly, particularly from those who opposed Charlie Kirk’s views. Instead of seeing Pratt’s public prayer as a show of support for a victim of assault, they saw it as a validation of Kirk’s conservative views.
The response exposes a polarizing environment where even funeral customs are viewed through a highly politicized lens.
What Are People Saying Online?
The criticism on platform X was pointed and voluminous. One user drew a sharp contrast, remarking, “chris pratt is tweeting his support for chrlie krk while mark ruffalo is tweeting links to support Palestine. Are we still going to question who the big fight on the avengers set was between?” This comment explicitly frames the actors as symbols of a broader ideological split. Some were disappointed, with one saying, “No way Chris Pratt, Well, actually, I am not surprised,” suggesting that his behavior was consistent with a supposed political identity. The tone of the backlash ranged from irritation to outright condemnation for offering sympathy to a political figure on the right.
Also Read: Mysterious Book on Charlie Kirk Shooting Surfaces a Day Before the Attack
Does Chris Pratt Have History with Conservative Politics?
While Pratt has largely kept his personal politics private, certain associations have led to public perception. He is wed to Katherine Schwarzenegger, a member of the powerful Kennedy family and the daughter of former Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Furthermore, in a recent interview, Pratt expressed being a fan of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stating, “I’ve spent a number of occasions hanging with him… I really got along with him well. I believe he is excellent. Even if they are incidental, these links are frequently used to frame and support his public remarks.
