Hollywood actress Amanda Seyfried has disclosed that she felt compelled to hire a bodyguard in the aftermath of public controversy surrounding her remarks about American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 'Mamma Mia' star had described Kirk as 'hateful' in an Instagram comment made shortly after his assassination in September 2025.
The comments, posted on a montage of Kirk's controversial statements, sparked significant backlash from his supporters. Seyfried subsequently clarified her position in a separate Instagram post, stating that while she could be angered by 'misogyny and racist rhetoric', she also unequivocally agreed that Kirk's murder was 'absolutely disturbing and deplorable in every way imaginable'.
Speaking in a recent interview with British GQ, Seyfried elaborated on the period of heightened tension. She expressed her belief in the right to voice opinions, provided they are not inherently unkind, but highlighted the 'outsized fear and hatred and impulse to bash and to tear down' she encountered. She recounted finding herself with a bodyguard at the airport, describing the situation as 'crazy'.
Seyfried has consistently refused to retract her initial criticism of Kirk. In a November 2025 interview with Who What Wear, she reiterated, 'I’m not f****** apologizing for that… what I said was pretty damn factual, and I’m free to have an opinion, of course.' She also suggested her statement had been taken out of context, praising Instagram for allowing her to provide clarity and 'get her voice back'.
Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was fatally shot by a sniper on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on 10th September last year. He was a prominent figure and founder of Turning Point USA. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, has been charged with aggravated murder and other offences in connection with Kirk's death.