Duke University recruited “Seinfeld” comedian Jerry Seinfeld to deliver its 2024 commencement speech, but not all graduates stuck around to hear his punchline.
Before the “Unfrosted” star delivered his 17-minute speech over the weekend, dozens of pro-Palestinian student protesters walked out of the outdoor ceremony on Sunday, boycotting the comedian who has been a staunch supporter of Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza. The student protesters, dressed in their graduation caps and gowns, unfurled large Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine,” according to ABC 11.
A representative for Seinfeld declined to comment to the Times on Monday.
In videos After the North Carolina school walkout spread on social media, student protesters generated mixed reactions as some audience members cheered and applauded their demonstration. Others booed the boycott and chanted Seinfeld's name, Duke University's student newspaper, the Chronicle, reported Sunday.
The student protest at Duke University comes amid ongoing tension on college campuses over the war between Israel and Hamas, which began Oct. 7 after an attack on Israel by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people. , mostly civilians, of which about 250 people were taken hostage. Israel's offensive has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
In recent weeks, pro-Palestinian student protesters across the country have called on their respective campuses to disclose and withdraw investments in companies linked to Israel. Some student protesters set up camps on campus as part of their efforts, prompting mixed reactions from pro-Israel protesters and counter-protesters.
In March, Duke University announced that Seinfeld would address the class of 2024. Weeks before Seinfeld took the stage, his wife Jessica Seinfeld came under fire for supporting pro-Israel counterprotesters at UCLA.
Jessica Seinfeld donated at least $5,000 for a GoFundMe campaign benefiting counterprotesters, the Daily Beast reported. Days after the GoFundMe was created, counterprotesters unleashed a violent attack on the pro-Palestinian camp at UCLA.
During Sunday's ceremony, Jerry Seinfeld gave his speech following the protesters' strike. He encouraged the Class of 2024 to be open to opportunities, embrace their “privilege” and maintain their sense of humor as they fully enter adulthood. He also apologized to graduates for his 2007 animated film, “Bee Movie.”
“If any of you felt a little uncomfortable with all the sexual undertones… I would like to apologize for that now,” he said.
Duke University also honored the 70-year-old “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” actor with an honorary doctor of arts degree during Sunday's ceremony. While celebrating her husband's speech and honorary title, Jessica Seinfeld wrote on Instagram about the student protesters.
“Despite his efforts, he had no impact on the ceremony. In fact, they were booed and it inspired the crowd of 7,000 to chant 'Jer-ry! German! German!' and clap even louder,” she wrote. “Jerry's speech was incredible and he received a standing ovation from the graduates and their parents.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
