EUGENE, Ore. — A small group of pro-Palestinian activists staged a demonstration outside the Hult Center on Friday evening, but their presence did little to affect the thousands of fans who packed the venue for a sold-out Jerry Seinfeld performance.
According to a story from OPB, roughly three dozen protesters gathered near the entrances, singing songs, handing out fliers, and holding signs criticizing the comedian over his support for Israel. The protest was peaceful and remained confined outside the theater.
Seinfeld’s comments earlier this year, in which he dismissed an online influencer’s request to say “Free Palestine” by responding that he didn’t care about Palestine, sparked outrage among some activists. Protest organizer Steve Dear told reporters he was “shocked and disappointed” by what he described as Seinfeld’s callousness, and argued that the City of Eugene should not rent its publicly owned Hult Center to performers with such views.
Despite Dear’s criticism, he admitted he had attended multiple Seinfeld shows in the past and had seen every episode of Seinfeld “probably four or five times each.” He said this time, he would not enter the venue.
City officials made clear they would not censor artists based on their personal beliefs. “As a public venue, our role is not to censor artists, but to ensure both the performance and the community’s right to respond can coexist safely,” said Benjamin Klipfel, spokesperson for Eugene’s Library, Recreation and Cultural Services.
Seinfeld, who has faced similar protests in other cities, has previously brushed off the criticism. On a podcast last year, he argued that young activists were “a little off-target,” pointing out that comedians do not control world affairs.
Inside the theater, Seinfeld performed his full stand-up set without interruption. Fans described the show as lighthearted and entertaining — a stark contrast to the political chants outside.
In the end, while the small protest made its statement on the sidewalks, it was the thousands of ticket-holders who ultimately decided: comedy, not politics, won the night.
