Gareth Cliff Sparks Debate Among South Africans With Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
- Charlie Kirk, an American conservative activist and Donald Trump ally, was fatally shot at a public event
- On Thursday, 11 September 2025, Gareth Cliff reacted to Charlie Kirk's shooting and made several controversial remarks
- Some supported Gareth Cliff's view, while others accused him of making unfounded claims
Source: UGC
Renowned South African broadcaster Gareth Cliff sparked a spirited discussion on social media after he weighed in on the assassination of American Charlie Kirk. Kirk, an ally of United States President Donald Trump, was shot at a Utah university on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, during a public event.
Gareth Cliff, like South African swimmer Roland Schoeman, took to his X account in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and shared his two cents. Cliff expressed his sorrow over the shooting. The former Idols SA judge suggested that the assassination of the Turning Point USA founder would have a major political impact. Gareth Cliff’s post read:
“The assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah is extremely sad and has massive political ramifications. What is clear is that Free Speech is completely incompatible with leftism.”
Netizens react to Gareth Cliff's comments on Charlie Kirk
Netizens filled the comment section with mixed reactions. While some backed Gareth Cliff, some celebrated Kirk’s death, arguing that he had supported the falsehoods championed by Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Several netizens criticised Gareth Cliff for swiftly blaming the Left when the alleged shooter had not been arrested or positively identified.
Here are some of the comments:
@Naomi_Wonders agreed:
“Exactly. When words can’t be beaten with reason, the left answers with bullets. Free speech terrifies them because it exposes their lies, and now a man is dead for daring to speak. This isn’t just sad; it’s proof of how dangerous speaking what you believe has become.”
@Johan62504529 said:
“There is a difference between free speech and promoting hate. Good riddance.”
@victordascencao highlighted:
“This is an international problem. Ideology does not supersede human rights.”
@KodacGus argued:
“You have no confirmation on who did it, and already you are blaming leftists. Unfortunately, this is what you are now. You make presumptions that cause division amongst people. You ought to be responsible with your words, bro. A lot of leftist people grew up listening to you.”
@SlimshadyThun explained:
“The funny thing is that from both sides, things have happened where politicians of a certain party have been targeted for their political views. This is unfortunate and should never have happened, but it's happening on both sides.”
@JaftaXhanti shared:
“The only clear thing is that America needs gun regulation laws, as soon as yesterday. There was a school shooting and the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the same week, and please stop with this insinuation that it has anything to do with the left, although it could be. Let’s wait.”
Source: UGC
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was an American conservative activist, writer, and commentator. He is best known as the founder and president of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a nonprofit organisation he started in 2012 when he was just 18 years old. TPUSA focuses on promoting conservative values, free markets, and limited government, particularly among young people on high school and college campuses.
Kirk was also a radio host and podcaster, running The Charlie Kirk Show, where he discussed politics, culture, and current events from a right-wing perspective. Over the years, Kirk became closely associated with the current U.S. President, Donald Trump, and the Make America Great Again movement.
He was a frequent speaker at conservative conferences, including CPAC, and has written books such as Campus Battlefield and The MAGA Doctrine. While admired by many on the American right, he is also a controversial figure, often criticised for spreading misinformation and for his confrontational style in debates.
Gareth Cliff weighs in on Ramaphosa and Trump's meeting
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Gareth Cliff reacted to Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump's heated exchange during a meeting that took place at the White House on Wednesday, 22 May 2025.
Shortly after Gareth Cliff shared his opinion on the heated argument on social media, several netizens flooded the comment section with their reactions.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
