Graduates carrying Palestinian flags left the stadium as the comic was being introduced. Duke University’s commencement saw a minor disruption when students protesting the war in Gaza walked out before Jerry Seinfeld spoke.
Video from Sunday’s event in Durham, North Carolina, showed about 30 students in cap and gown get up and leave their graduation ceremony as Seinfeld was introduced by Duke President Vincent Price.
Chants of “Free, free Palestine” could be heard as students carried the state’s green, red and black flag out of the football stadium.
In footage shared on social media, the audience could be heard booing, though it was unclear if the shouts were directed at Seinfeld or the protestors, which appeared to be a sliver of the 7,000 graduates in attendance.
Also audible were chants and jeers of “Jerry,” a reaction which sounded split between support and mockery of the sitcom star.
Seinfeld, who also received an honorary doctorate degree from the school on Sunday, has been a staunch supporter of Israel amid its response to the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.
He’s posted on social media in solidarity with Israel several times since last fall’s incursion, and in December, the “Bee Movie” voice traveled to Tel Aviv to meet with the families of hostages captured by Hamas.
This is a serious topic and I’m happy that students are calling attention to the war in any way they can. It’s also very funny to see Seinfeld described as the voice of Bee Movie
I guess that’s how gen Z think of him!
Lmao I had the same thought. Like… what…? That’s the cultural touchstone he’s associated with nowadays…?
Why would he even be a commencement speaker?
Because he is rich and loudly Zionist. Duh.
they use entertainers all the time for that crap. Its why folks who don’t have family coming skip the bs to begin with.
I know this is a serious issue and Jerry can get fucked, but the dean of Duke is named Vincent Price and that gave me a short silly movie in my head
Has to be Dr Phibes era Price.
wHat’s WiTh aLL tHESe pRotEstoRS?
their not pro. their not testeors.
Jerry is nothing more than Larry David’s creation and a cunty boot licker. His stand-up has always sucked. I have no idea what people ever have liked about him specifically.
Laugh track hack
That speech is worth walking out of even before the protest aspect
Good, fuck Seinfeld.
I’m sure he’s happy to be “canceled”.