Jerry Seinfeld's show in Norfolk, Va., was interrupted eight times by pro-Palestinian protesters, one of whom was wrestled to the ground by other audience members.

Jerry Seinfeld’s week of difficult appearances continues, this time in Virginia.

As soon as Seinfeld took the stage for a stand-up comedy set at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk on Saturday night, a man in the audience jumped up and yelled, “Free Gaza,” TMZ reported. The audience immediately began booing the heckler and chanting “Jerry! Jerry!” as another bystander wrestled the protester into a headlock.

Security escorted the man out of the building, but the show was interrupted by other protesters eight times throughout its 90-minute run.

The controversy around Seinfeld’s views stems from his vocal support of Israel — which he visited following the Oct. 7 attacks — and his wife’s $5,000 donation to a GoFundMe for pro-Israel counterprotesters at UCLA after a late April protest turned violent.

Seinfeld didn’t seem bothered by the interruptions, telling the crowd not to boo the man because he had a right to protest.

“This is exciting. I like this,” the comic said as the original protester was escorted out of the venue. “I like a little Jew hate to spice up the show.”

      • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
        91·
        1 month ago

        No no, the party line is “fuck yes, blow up more Hamas”….

        You’re not supposed to admit they’re children…

        • Serinus@lemmy.world
          1·
          1 month ago

          If Palestine became its own state tomorrow, with Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel did everything right as of tomorrow (a big ask, I know), do you think Israel would continue to suffer attacks? For how long? Do you think continued violence is justified because of what Israel is doing now?

          I’m interested in a path to peace, but I don’t see one. I don’t like “free Gaza” because what does that even look like?

          If it’s just short for “stop genocide” then fine. But I don’t see what it can mean past that.

      • Serinus@lemmy.world
        1·
        1 month ago

        Most people consider every issue to be black and white, which is ironic considering Israel/Palestine is probably the most gray issue in modern times.

        I’ll list out enough points that each side will hate some of them and want to argue. I hear that’s a great way to get up votes. But in the end I hope we can agree on most of these as facts, even if there are excuses and reasons.

        • Most Gazans want to kill every Israeli Source
        • Israel actually is killing much of Gaza
        • There are valid reasons for the Palestinians to hate the Israelis
        • The Israelis are under constant attack, even if they rebuff most of the attacks
        • The Israelis have a right to defend themselves
        • Israel has gone much farther than defense warrants.
        • Israel is going to use this as an excuse to settle more Palestinian land
        • Netanyahu enabled Hamas
        • People have a right to protest, and the crackdowns on peaceful protests are despicable
  • testfactor@lemmy.world
    72·
    1 month ago

    It seems counterproductive to pay for tickets to go see a comedian just to protest heckle.

    Like, you just gave that man money to yell at him. I’m sure he’s drying his tears with the dollar bills.