An episode of South Park, which poked fun at Charlie Kirk, has been removed from streaming platforms. However, a friend of the conservative commentator is urging for its return.
Kirk tragically lost his life during a debate at Utah Valley University. The FBI has arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the shooting.
Kirk’s death has resonated across the United States, affecting various forms of media, including satirical programs like South Park.
Before Kirk’s passing on September 10, the popular show had previously targeted the controversial Turning Point USA co-founder with its satire.
The show faced criticism for its portrayal of Kirk, as well as its depiction of other prominent MAGA personalities, such as Donald Trump.
Following the episode’s removal from streaming, a friend of Kirk disclosed his actual feelings about the show’s portrayal of him.
Andrew Kolvet, who serves as the executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show and is a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, used social media to urge Paramount to reinstate the episode.
Posting on Twitter, he wrote: “Hey @paramountplus, as someone who can speak with some authority on this, Charlie loved that he was featured in South Park. He told me many times.”
“He would want the episode back up.”
Before the episode aired, Kirk expressed that he wasn’t particularly concerned about the portrayal.
In a video statement, he shared: “They’re going to obviously make fun of me … but I think it’s kind of funny and it kind of goes to show the cultural impact and the resonance that our movement has been able to achieve.”
After the release of Season 27, Episode 2: Got a Nut on August 6, Kirk made it known that he enjoyed the episode, even sharing some clips on his YouTube channel.
Kirk appeared to embrace the satire positively, similar to other public figures who have been parodied by South Park, often considering it a sign of cultural significance.
Reflecting on the jokes at his expense, he stated: “There is going to be a lot said about this but we have got to have a good spirit about being made fun of.”
“This is all a success, all a win, we as conservatives, we have thick skin, not thin skin and you can make fun of us, it doesn’t matter.”