Why did students walk out during Jerry Seinfeld’s Duke speech? What did he say?

The controversy started when Duke University invited Jerry Seinfeld, who has been vocal about his support for Israel amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to deliver a commencement speech. The school had also organized to give him an honorary degree.

Boos echoed on the official livestream as Seinfeld’s introduction took place. A group of students with Palestinian flags walked down an aisle on the stadium field. Other students and attendees stood up from their seats and began walking out of the stadium. The students were chanting “Free Palestine” as they walked out.

The comedian said this during the speech, just as students were walking out. “A lot of you are thinking, ‘I can’t believe they invited this guy.’ Too late.”

What has Jerry Seinfeld said about the Israel and Palestine conflict?

Seinfeld has been very supportive of Israel and their efforts against Hamas, which have affected the Palestinian people. He even visited Israel after the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the conflict between both groups. When asked about why he visited the country and why he supported their war against Palestine, the actor said, “Well, I’m Jewish.”

Duke University respected the right of everyone to express their views peacefully. Seinfeld was able to deliver his speech uninterrupted. Protests at college graduations across the country have focused on issues like war and social justice. Emerson College in Boston also witnessed protests during its commencement.