South Park pulls controversial episode on MAGA influencers after Charlie Kirk Assassination at UVU

A controversial episode of South Park has been pulled from cable broadcasts following the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The episode, titled “Got a Nut”, originally aired in early August and quickly drew criticism for mocking Kirk and other MAGA figures.

Episode Details and Backlash

The episode, part of South Park Season 27, showed school counselor Mr. Mackey joining U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after losing his job. It featured parody versions of political leaders including Kristi Noem, Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.

One of the main storylines involved Eric Cartman imitating Charlie Kirk. In the cartoon, Cartman launched a podcast, debated liberal students, and even hosted a college rally — scenes mirroring Kirk’s real-life style and appearance. In one moment, Cartman battled a student virtually while sitting on a toilet, a mocking portrayal of Kirk’s debate tactics. Another scene showed Cartman, Bible in hand, hijacking a rally led by a Kirk-like figure.

After Kirk’s death, critics accused the show of fueling hostility against him. On social media, some users blamed creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for releasing what they described as a “hit piece.” One viral post read, “They mocked Charlie Kirk, and weeks later he’s murdered. South Park has blood on its hands.”

Comedy Central’s Response

Comedy Central confirmed it had removed Got a Nut from its nightly cable lineup after backlash, though the episode is still available for streaming on Paramount+. The network has not issued an official statement about whether it will be permanently pulled.

Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed while taking questions at his UVU rally. According to investigators, the fatal shot was fired from the top of the Losee Center, about 200 feet away from the stage. Security footage appears to show a figure on the roof before fleeing the scene.

Panic erupted immediately after the shot, with students and attendees running for cover as Kirk fell from his chair. He was later pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the neck.

Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, their three-year-old daughter, and a 16-month-old son. President Donald Trump announced his death hours later, lowering U.S. flags nationwide until Sunday evening in his honor.

Political Fallout

Kirk’s assassination has shaken Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for prayer, while Democrats and Republicans quickly clashed over blame. Utah’s Republican Governor Spencer Cox declared the act a “political assassination,” while Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the shooting and warned against further violence.

President Trump said he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination”, calling Kirk an inspiration to millions of young conservatives.

South Park Creators Under Fire

Matt Stone and Trey Parker, known for their satirical takes on politics, now face criticism for their decision to depict Kirk. Some supporters argue the episode was satire, while others believe it crossed a line given Kirk’s influential role and eventual assassination.

Kirk himself had reacted to the episode weeks earlier, laughing on his podcast and joking that South Park “accidentally spreads the gospel.”