Jerry Seinfeld has sparked fresh controversy after appearing to tell a streamer that Palestine 'doesn't exist' during an encounter outside Madison Square Garden. The comedian was filmed leaving the famous New York venue on June 10 after attending an NBA game when he was approached by Kick streamer FinesseFave, who was broadcasting live at the time.
In footage that has since spread across social media, the content creator can be heard calling out: 'What up, Seinfeld. Can we get a free Palestine?' Seinfeld initially laughs before replying: 'It doesn't exist.'
The brief exchange quickly circulated online, reigniting debate around the comedian's outspoken support for Israel and his previous comments about the Israel-Palestine conflict. The 71-year-old has repeatedly expressed support for Israel in the years following the October 7 attacks.
Seinfeld's history of pro-Israel comments
Shortly after the Hamas attack in 2023, Seinfeld shared a statement explaining his personal connection to the country: 'I lived and worked on a Kibbutz in Israel when I was 16, and I have loved our Jewish homeland ever since,' he wrote on Instagram. 'We survive and flourish no matter what. I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people.'
The latest incident is not the first time Seinfeld has had a tense exchange with social media personalities over the conflict. Earlier this year, he was approached by internet personality Subway DJ, who attempted to engage him in a conversation about Palestine. When asked about the issue, Seinfeld responded bluntly: 'I don't care about Palestine.' The remark prompted criticism online but was also defended by supporters who argued he was under no obligation to engage with strangers filming him in public.
Duke University remarks
Last September, Seinfeld attracted further attention during a surprise appearance at Duke University, where he criticised the 'Free Palestine' movement in unusually stark terms. According to student newspaper The Chronicle, the comedian told the audience: 'Free Palestine is, to me, just … you're free to say you don't like Jews. Just say you don't like Jews.'
He went on to argue that some protesters were disguising antisemitism behind political slogans. 'By saying “Free Palestine”, you're not admitting what you really think,' he said. 'So it's actually – compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I'm actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better here, because they can come right out and say, “We don't like Blacks, we don't like Jews.” OK, that's honest.'
The comments drew significant backlash at the time, with critics accusing Seinfeld of unfairly characterising a broad political movement, while supporters praised him for speaking candidly about antisemitism.
Confrontations with hecklers
As a result, Seinfeld has repeatedly dealt with pro-Palestine hecklers at his shows. In 2024, in a video from a tour stop in Australia, a heckler could be heard chanting that 'Palestine will be free', leading Seinfeld to hit back. 'We have a genius, ladies and gentlemen. He solved the Middle East. He solved it,' he told the crowd. 'It's the Jewish comedians, that's who we have to get. They're the ones doing everything.'
Security stepped in to escort the man in question out, as the TV star continued: 'They're going to start punching you in about three seconds, so I would try and get all your genius out so we all learn from you. It's a comedy show, you moron. Get out of here.'
Seinfeld's stance on comedy
Despite his strong personal views, Seinfeld has previously suggested he prefers not to turn the issue into material for his stand-up comedy. Speaking in an interview last year, he said: 'I don't preach about it. I have my personal feelings about it that I discuss privately. It's not part of what I can do comedically, but my feelings are very strong.'
The latest clip has once again divided opinion online, with supporters praising Seinfeld's refusal to back down from his beliefs and critics accusing him of dismissing Palestinian identity altogether.
As of Friday, neither Seinfeld nor his representatives had publicly commented further on the exchange.
