Jerry Seinfeld earned an honorary degree at Duke University’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, but before he could make his speech, students walked out.
According to the New York Times, dozens of students left the graduation ceremony chanting “Free, free Palestine” in protest of Seinfeld, who has been outspoken in his support for Israel. Others in the audience applauded and cheered Seinfeld’s address, which began with “Thank you. Oh my God, what a lovely day!”
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Though Seinfeld did not directly address the walkouts, his advice to the grads alluded to the culture of political correctness. “I completely admire your generation’s ambitions to build a more just and inclusive society.” I think it’s also amazing that you’re so concerned about not hurting other people’s feelings in the million and one ways we all do every second of the day,” Seinfeld added. “It’s great to want to improve such problems, but—all caps—what I need to tell you as a comedian is that you should not lose your sense of humor.” You have no idea at this point in your life how much you’ll need it to get by.”
Staff and family members attended the makeshift graduation ceremony that the students who walked out held outside the stadium where the commencement took place, according to the Times. “Disclose, divest; we will not stop; we will not rest,” they repeated.
In addition to talking about his support for Israel on social media, Seinfeld traveled to Tel Aviv in December to meet with families of hostages held during Hamas’ Oct. 7 raid. Earlier this month, his wife, Jessica Seinfeld, encouraged a UCLA counterprotest to the pro-Palestinian protests taking place at universities across the country on Instagram.
Representatives for Seinfeld declined to comment on the situation.
