Jerry Seinfeld compares ‘Free Palestine’ to KKK at Duke

TL;DR:

Seinfeld compared the “Free Palestine” slogan to the KKK at Duke on Sept. 9.
He said the phrase masks antisemitism and praised the KKK for “honesty.”
Duke said guest speakers do not reflect the university’s views.
Students and local groups condemned the remarks.
The moment revives debate over speech, protest, and Gaza on U.S. campuses.

On 9 September 2025, Jerry Seinfeld made an unannounced appearance at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He introduced Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli former hostage. In brief remarks, Seinfeld compared the “Free Palestine” movement to the Ku Klux Klan and said the slogan hides antisemitism. This drew immediate backlash on campus and online. According to The Duke Chronicle, he said the Klan was “a little better” because it is open about its hate. The university confirmed the event was student led.

Local outlets ABC11 and WRAL reported the comments and noted the university’s statement that invited speakers do not speak for Duke. Coverage also highlighted the event’s focus on hostages and the decision to keep Seinfeld’s appearance unannounced.

National and entertainment media amplified the story. The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, and the San Francisco Chronicle all ran pieces summarizing Seinfeld’s comparison, the campus reaction, and Duke’s response.

What Seinfeld said, in context

Seinfeld framed “Free Palestine” as code for hating Jews. He suggested that, unlike the KKK, supporters of the phrase hide their intent. The Duke Chronicle recorded the line. ABC11 and WRAL cited the student paper and repeated the quote. Seinfeld’s team did not comment as of 11 September 2025, Asia/Kolkata time.

He spoke before Omer Shem Tov, who was abducted during the 7 October 2023 attacks and later released. Organizers said the aim was to center hostage stories. Duke said it does not preview remarks and that an invitation is not an endorsement.

How the campus and public reacted

Students voiced anger and concern. Some said equating a human rights slogan with a white supremacist group was harmful. Local coverage featured on-camera reactions from Jewish and Palestinian students who rejected the KKK comparison.

The incident revived Seinfeld’s recent campus history. In May 2024, Duke’s commencement saw a walkout during his speech over his perceived stance on Gaza. That earlier protest is part of a wider pattern of campus dissent since late 2023.

Why this took off now

The remarks touched three active flashpoints. First, the war in Gaza remains a live political issue for U.S. culture, media, and campuses. Second, free speech debates at universities are heated, and high profile guests often become targets or symbols. Third, Seinfeld has been visible in the discourse this year after a viral February clip where he told an activist, “I don’t care about Palestine.” The Duke moment fit an ongoing storyline.

Key facts at a glance

Item	Detail
Date and place	9 September 2025, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Setting	Student-organized event featuring former hostage Omer Shem Tov.
The line	Seinfeld likened “Free Palestine” to the KKK and called the slogan dishonest.
University stance	Duke said guests do not represent the university, and remarks are not previewed.
Public reaction	Fast backlash from students and broad media coverage.

Background on Duke and Seinfeld

Duke has been a site of pro-Palestine activism since 2023. The 2024 commencement walkout targeted Seinfeld’s role as speaker and the university’s ties to Israel. This history set the stage for a stronger response to his new remarks.

Seinfeld has often avoided political content in his comedy, yet he has spoken publicly about Israel and Gaza. The February 2025 viral clip, which many outlets covered, added weight to how people parsed his words at Duke this week.

What critics and supporters argue

Critics say the comparison smears a rights slogan and chills speech. They argue it erases calls for ceasefire and statehood, and it links activists with a terror group they do not support. Student reactions in local reports took this view.

Supporters of Seinfeld’s point say the phrase can carry antisemitic usage, and that activists should speak plainly about their aims. They add that his appearance was to highlight hostage trauma, not policy. WRAL noted that organizers said the focus was hostages, not politics.

What happens next

Watch for an official statement from Seinfeld’s representatives or a follow-up interview. Track whether Duke or student groups plan forums or listening sessions, which universities often use after flashpoint events. Also note whether national cultural groups, advocacy organizations, or prominent comedians weigh in. Those signals shape future bookings on campus. (No formal response from Seinfeld’s team was reported by the time of publication.)

Why it matters

Celebrity comments can harden views or open space for debate. This exchange touches on antisemitism, Islamophobia, and how slogans function in public life. Universities remain a front line. Decisions about invitations, security, and speech norms affect students every day. The Duke incident sits at that crossroad.

Quick checklist for readers

Check the original campus reporting before sharing clips.
Look for full transcripts or uncut video.
Separate a guest’s views from a university’s position.
Consider how slogans are used by different groups.
Be cautious with decontextualized quotes.

SEO notes for editors

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