By Megan Cartwright
Copyright newsweek
Comedy Central has removed a rerun of the South Park episode titled “Got a Nut,” which parodies conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, from its overnight lineup Thursday to Friday, Newsweek can confirm. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.The episode is still available to stream on Paramount+ and YouTube TV, Newsweek can also confirm.Newsweek reached out to a Paramount spokesperson and YouTube for comment on Thursday via email outside regular working hours.Why It MattersThe removal of the episode comes amid concerns about the country’s escalating climate of political violence. The program’s satire explicitly portrayed a character modeled on Kirk—played by Eric Cartman.What To KnowSouth Park’s Season 27 has garnered widespread attention for its parodies of conservative political figures including Kirk, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.In the second episode, which premiered on August 6, Cartman imitates Kirk with a podcast and debates college students. At the time, Kirk said in a message posted to X: “They are so mad I’m not mad and that I found South Park funny.”He added in an interview with Fox News that the portrayal was a “badge of honor.””I think it’s kind of funny and it kind of goes to show the cultural impact and the resonance that our movement has been able to achieve,” he said.A video posted by X user @connor_eats_me after Kirk’s death shows Comedy Central’s lineup skipping episode 2. In the clip, a person scrolls from episode 1 titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount” to episode three titled “Sickofancy.”Newsweek can confirm that Friday’s lineup will follow the same pattern. At 12 a.m. ET on September 12, Comedy Central will air “Sermon on the ‘Mount” followed by “Sickofancy” at 12:30 a.m. ET. After that, random episodes from various seasons are set to air.Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was later pronounced dead; authorities have characterized the event as a targeted attack, and the FBI is involved in the investigation.What People Are SayingCelebrities and politicians across the political spectrum have shared tributes on social media following news of Kirk’s killing.Turning Point USA confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement posted to social media: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.”The statement continued: “May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”President Donald Trump said on Truth Social: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”Vice President JD Vance said on X: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”Former Vice President Kamala Harris said on X: “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California, said on X: “My heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States. Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure. There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don’t solve our debates with violence. This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”Kid Rock said on X: “God Bless Charlie Kirk. A true PATRIOT. Pray for him. Kid Rock.”Rosie O’Donnell said on Instagram: “no just no – do not become the murderer – this is wrong on every level- #werallamericans.”Jimmy Kimmel said on Instagram: “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”What Happens NextFederal and local authorities continue to seek the shooter; the FBI is leading elements of the inquiry. The Associated Press reported that two people thought to be suspects had been detained “but neither was determined to have had any connection” in the killing.Utah Valley University is currently closed. A statement on its website reads: “Campus Closure Until September 15, 2025. We are shocked by the tragic events today. This is an ongoing investigation.”Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two children.
