Chris Pratt drew backlash after posting on X that he was “praying for Charlie Kirk, his wife and young children, and our country” following Kirk’s fatal shooting on stage at Utah Valley University. Some users urged studios to fire him, accusing him of selective concern.
Pratt then “broke his silence” on Instagram with a short video leading a prayer and encouraging followers to step away from their phones, “touch some grass,” call a friend, and help someone in need.
Reactions were sharply split: critics called the clip “useless” and predicted Hollywood fallout, while others said the internet “needed this.” The debate echoed broader tensions over celebrities’ responses to polarizing political figures.
Context: Kirk was shot in the neck during his ‘American Comeback’ tour; a 22-year-old suspect was arrested about 33 hours later. Pratt has kept his message centered on prayer despite the calls for him to be dropped.