Podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan have apologised for laughing at a joke about Charlie Kirk, after the segment drew criticism and several sponsors distanced themselves from the show. On Thursday's episode of I've Had It, the pair read out posts from online users about the 2026 midterm results.
One post said, "We're digging up Charlie Kirk and doing it again," and both hosts laughed. The joke came from an unnamed user rather than from the hosts.
The segment was later cut from the episode but was reshared online. On Saturday, the pair posted a joint statement on the podcast's Instagram.
"On Thursday's show, we laughed at a joke about Charlie Kirk," they wrote. "It was an insensitive joke, and we should not have laughed.
We regret it, and we apologise." They added, "Whatever our political differences, there is nothing funny about gun violence." The hosts said they have long backed gun safety reform and have donated to Everytown for Gun Safety, which they described as the largest gun violence prevention organisation in America.
They closed by saying they will keep using their platforms "to fight for the safety of all Americans." Advertisers reacted quickly to the controversy. Boll & Branch said it would not advertise with the podcast now or in the future.
Chewy said it does not sponsor or support the show, condemned violence in all forms, and said the hosts' comments do not reflect its values. The incident highlights the growing pressure on digital media personalities to maintain decorum regarding sensitive public interest topics.
The backlash was swift, as social media users circulated the clip, leading to a significant drop in brand association for the podcast. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in September 2025 while speaking at a college event in Utah County, Utah.
The tragic nature of his death made the laughter on the podcast particularly offensive to many listeners and public figures. The hosts' apology is seen as an attempt to salvage the reputation of their show, which has built a following based on candid commentary.
However, the loss of major sponsors poses a significant challenge to the show's financial viability moving forward. Industry experts suggest that this event serves as a cautionary tale for podcast hosts regarding the vetting of user-submitted content.
The speed at which advertisers withdrew their support underscores the sensitivity of corporate brands to political and social controversies. As the situation develops, the hosts have indicated they will take time to reflect on their editorial processes.
The public remains divided on whether the apology is sufficient to address the gravity of the situation.