Comedian Jerry Seinfeld responded sarcastically and danced onstage as security escorted a pro-Palestinian protester out of his Chicago show after she challenged him over Palestinian deaths in Gaza.
The confrontation was reported by International Business Times UK, which said the protester accused Seinfeld of supporting Israel while Palestinians, including thousands of children, were being killed. Seinfeld responded, 'I'm racist, it's a genocide, I'm into it.'
Footage circulated by pro-Palestinian groups showed several activists interrupting Seinfeld's Friday performance, prompting angry reactions from some audience members.
Protesters confront comedian over Gaza deaths
The incident began while Seinfeld was complaining about his mobile phone service during his stand-up routine.
A woman interrupted him, citing 74,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including 22,000 children, and questioning why he was performing comedy while American taxpayers' money was supporting Israel.
Seinfeld responded sarcastically to the accusations before performing a mocking dance as security escorted the woman out of the venue.
The casualty figures were cited by the protester and were not independently verified in reports of the confrontation.
A second confrontation involved a male protester who accused Seinfeld of racism and condemned the deaths of Palestinians.
When the demonstrator said Palestine would eventually be free, Seinfeld threatened to send the equivalent of his ticket price to Israel. He then reversed the remark, saying he would keep the money instead. There was no indication that any donation had been made.
The interruptions angered some audience members. The Times of Israel reported that one spectator urged security to physically mistreat a female protester, while another shouted profanity at a demonstrator.
Security personnel continued removing protesters as Seinfeld resumed his performance.
Seinfeld's support for Israel draws repeated protests
Seinfeld has faced repeated demonstrations over his public support for Israel since the Gaza war began following the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023.
In December that year, he visited Israel with his family, meeting survivors and relatives of hostages and visiting Kibbutz Be'eri.
His position has since drawn criticism at comedy shows and other public appearances.
During a separate encounter after a basketball game, someone asked Seinfeld to say 'Free Palestine'. He reportedly laughed before replying: 'It doesn't exist.'
His performances and a university commencement address have also been interrupted by protesters.
Portuguese comedians withdraw from festival featuring Seinfeld
The Chicago incident comes amid controversy over Seinfeld's scheduled appearance at the MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest in Lisbon, which runs from 29 October to 1 November.
Several Portuguese performers withdrew from the festival amid objections to his support for Israel.
Actress and comedian Inês Aires Pereira withdrew her show Namastê, criticising an unnamed performer on the programme for defending positions she considered unacceptable.
Expressing solidarity with Palestine, Pereira said, 'We cannot relativise or normalise a genocide.'
The comedy duo Cebola Mol also withdrew, although not all departing performers publicly stated their reasons.
Organisers have confirmed that Seinfeld will headline a show at MEO Arena on 1 November. They have also announced an additional performance featuring Jim Gaffigan, George Wallace and Tom Papa on 31 October.