Los Angeles

During Duke University's commencement ceremony on Sunday (May 12), several students walked out as actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld was about to give his address. Videos posted on social media showed people waving Palestinian flags and leaving the stadium.

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As Seinfeld was being introduced by Duke University President Vincent Price, some attendees began chanting "Free Palestine," while others shouted "Jerry! Jerry!"

70-year-old Seinfeld, who has publicly supported Israel since the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, has recently faced controversy over his comments on acceptable topics for comedy.

Despite the disruptions, Seinfeld received an honorary degree from Duke and delivered his commencement address without major interruptions, as shown in a livestream of the ceremony. However, the livestream did not show the students walking out.

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In his speech, Seinfeld avoided political topics and instead joked about the students, artificial intelligence, and privilege. "A lot of you are thinking, 'I can't believe they invited this guy.' Too late," he quipped, before humorously defending the concept of privilege. 

"I say, use your privilege. I grew up a Jewish boy from New York. That is a privilege if you want to be a comedian," he added.

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While Seinfeld spoke, the students who had left the stadium reportedly chanted slogans like "Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest" from the parking lot, according to The New York Times.

Seinfeld has not publicly commented on the walkout.