Disruption at Seinfeld's show: protests erupt over his support for Israel

Demonstrators called Seinfeld a "genocide supporter" during his show in Virginia.

Comedy night turned contentious at Jerry Seinfeld's recent performance in Norfolk, Virginia, as protestors disrupted the show with cries for Gaza. 

The demonstrators, who were forcefully removed from Chrysler Hall, voiced strong opposition to Seinfeld's support for Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Gaza.

During the event, hecklers could be heard shouting, "Save the children of Gaza" and "No more American tax dollars for genocide." 

The tension escalated when one protestor labeled Seinfeld a "genocide supporter," urging him to feel "ashamed." The disruption led to a polarized audience reaction, with some joining in on the chants, while others countered with loud cheers of "Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!" in support of the comedian.

Chrysler Hall officials responded to the chaos with a statement to WTKR, expressing their disappointment over the night's events. "We are deeply disappointed that a group of protestors disrupted tonight’s sold-out Jerry Seinfeld performance at Chrysler Hall," the venue noted. 

They reiterated their commitment to ensuring a disturbance-free environment, stating, "SevenVenues stands by its policy to remove hecklers and those who disrupt a performance, and will continue to protect the freedom of its patrons to enjoy an artist of their choosing without disruption."

This incident follows a similar disturbance at Duke University, where several students walked out on Seinfeld's commencement speech. Despite the tension, Seinfeld urged the graduates to maintain their sense of humor, emphasizing its importance in navigating life's challenges. 

"I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. It’s lovely to want to fix those things, but — all caps, BUT — what I need to tell you as a comedian, do not lose your sense of humor," Seinfeld stated.