Jerry Seinfeld is not the most controversial actor/comedian. But his appearance at Duke University’s graduation ceremony caused a chorus of “boos”, pro-Palestinian shouts, and a walkout by students.
student walkout at Duke university commencement as Jerry Seinfeld’s speech is announced. his introduction by university president is being drowned out by “free free Palestine” chants ❤️🔥🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/oNLesaput3
— the great clown snorman (@iamschvitzing) May 12, 2024
Duke University students walking out of commencement ceremony as Jerry Seinfeld is introduced pic.twitter.com/ckJLAKUr97
— Your Thighness (@RevHonorable) May 12, 2024
Seinfeld, a Jewish father and supporter of Duke University, has been criticized by some students for his support for Israel. Some students were concerned that there would be a protest during the commencement.
A 70-year-old comedian recently made headlines after accusing the “extreme right” of ruining humor.
“Nothing affects comedy. People always need it. They need it so badly and they don’t get it. Used to be you would go home at the end of the day, most people would go, “Oh, ‘Cheers’ is on. Oh, ‘M.A.S.H.’ Is on. Oh, ‘Mary Tyler Moore’ is on. Oh, ‘All in the Family’ is on. You just expected there’ll be some funny stuff we can watch on TV tonight. Well, guess what? Where is it?” Seinfeld said last month. “This is the result of the extreme left and PC crap and people worrying so much about offending other people. When you write a script and it goes into four or five different hands, committees, and groups: ‘Here’s our thought about this joke.’ Well, that’s the end of your comedy,” he said. “They move the gates, like in skiing. Culture, the gates are moving. Your job is to be agile and clever enough that wherever they put the gates, I’m gonna make the gate.”
Vanity Fair has more to offer:
Seinfeld’s presentation by Vincent Price as the school president was “drowned” with chants of “free free Palestine.” The cries were heard both by the soon-to-be graduates sitting on Brooks Field as well as those in adjacent rows of Wallace Wade Stadium.
Seinfeld was about to start his speech when a second video showed students dressed in gowns unfurling Palestinian Flags. According to The Daily Beast, the live stream from the graduation ceremony had been cut off.
Seinfeld focused his speech on advice for graduates and not the protest. WRAL reported the still-working standup had announced three life lessons. These activities appeared to elude him.
Seinfeld’s speech did not mention the students protesting. “Just pure, stupid, no-real-idea-what-I’m-doing-here effort. Even if you fail to achieve the desired outcome, your effort will always be positive. This is a life rule. “Swinging the bat and praying is not a bad way to do a lot of different things. ”
According to a report from the New York Times, the graduates who walked out chanted “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest” from the parking lot.
