# Podcast Hosts Apologize After Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Shooting Joke Hosts of the I've Had It podcast face advertiser exodus following insensitive on-air comments. - **Source:** [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/22414eca-e2c8-4634-a9ce-e0b7a4447eff ## Podcast Hosts Issue Apology Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, hosts of the I've Had It podcast, issued a formal apology Saturday. They expressed regret for laughing at an insensitive joke regarding the 2025 death of Charlie Kirk. The hosts acknowledged that gun violence is never a subject for humor, regardless of existing political differences. ## The Offensive On-Air Moment During Thursday's episode, the hosts read social media posts reacting to 2026 midterm election results. They recited a comment stating, "We're digging up Charlie Kirk and doing it again," and proceeded to laugh. The specific segment was subsequently removed from the episode, though the clip continues to circulate online. ## Context of the Tragedy Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, died on September 10, 2025. He was fatally shot while speaking at a college event located in Utah County, Utah. The podcast hosts' laughter at a joke referencing this violent event triggered immediate and widespread public outcry from Kirk's supporters. ## Corporate Sponsors Sever Ties The backlash resulted in a rapid withdrawal of financial support from several major advertisers. Cash App announced on Friday via X that they were no longer sponsors. Similarly, luxury bedding company Boll Branch confirmed they would not advertise with the podcast, while Chewy issued a statement distancing themselves from the hosts. ## Corporate Stance on Violence Chewy explicitly stated that the comments made by Welch and Sullivan did not reflect the company's values. They unequivocally condemned violence in all forms. Cash App similarly noted that they do not condone violence of any kind, marking a definitive end to their professional relationship with the progressive comedic podcast. ## Donation and Reform Advocacy In their apology, Welch and Sullivan emphasized their long-standing support for common-sense gun safety reform. To demonstrate their commitment, they announced a donation to Everytown for Gun Safety. They described the organization as the largest gun violence prevention group in America and pledged to continue advocating for public safety. ## Economic Impact of Controversy The incident highlights the vulnerability of independent media platforms to advertiser boycotts when content crosses established social boundaries. By losing multiple sponsors in a single weekend, the podcast faces significant financial strain. This event serves as a stark example of how corporate brands prioritize reputation management over controversial content partnerships. ## Future of Podcast Accountability The swift removal of the segment and the subsequent apology reflect the pressure hosts face when public sentiment turns against them. While the hosts claim they will continue using their platform for safety advocacy, the loss of major revenue streams suggests that the long-term viability of their show remains uncertain. ## Sources covering this story - [The Hollywood Reporter — Podcast Hosts Apologize After Laughing at Insensitive Charlie Kirk Joke](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jennifer-welch-angie-sullivan-apologize-charlie-kirk-1236750136/) - [Deadline — Podcast Hosts Apologize After Laughing at Charlie Kirk Shooting Joke](https://deadline.com/2026/11/jennifer-welch-angie-sullivan-apologize-laughing-charlie-kirk-joke-1237216817/) - [Variety — Podcast Hosts Apologize After Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Joke](https://variety.com/2026/politics/news/jennifer-welch-angie-sullivan-apologize-charlie-kirk-joke-1236942607/) - [The Independent – News — Podcast Sponsors Withdraw Following Insensitive Charlie Kirk Joke](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ive-had-it-podcast-lose-sponsors-charlie-kirk-b3081273.html) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._