Chris Martin Sparks Outrage Over Charlie Kirk Comment: 'Lost A Lifelong Coldplay Fan'

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sparked controversy at the band’s Wembley Stadium concert on Friday, September 12, after dedicating their emotional hit “Fix You” to the family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Martin urged fans to “send love” not only to war-torn regions and struggling communities but also to Kirk’s loved ones, just days after the Turning Point USA founder was assassinated at Utah Valley University. The tribute quickly divided Coldplay fans online, with some praising the call for compassion and others slamming the mention of such a polarizing political figure.

Before launching into Coldplay’s emotional hit “Fix You,” Martin asked the crowd to raise their hands and send love to those in need. “There are so many places that might need it today,” the singer said. “You can send this to your brother or your sister, you can send it to the families of people who have been going through terrible stuff, you can send it to Charlie Kirk’s family. You can send it to people you disagree with, but you send them love anyway… You can send it to peaceful people in the Middle East, in Ukraine and Russia.”

The unexpected inclusion of Kirk’s name, just two days after the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University, immediately sparked conversations both inside the stadium and across social media.

The unexpected tribute quickly made its way to social media, where fans debated whether Coldplay crossed a line by mentioning such a polarizing political figure. Some blasted the decision, with one X user writing, “When did rock concerts become political platforms? I do recall Bruce did it to Ronald Reagan in the 80’s, Bono, in San Francisco, and the Sex Pistols.”

Others applauded the band for showing compassion. “It’s nice to see Coldplay be rational and show kindness towards Charlie Kirk and his family. I know they are leftists, but at least they aren’t vile,” one person posted.

Another user emphasized the broader message behind Martin’s words, adding, “It’s never left or right. It has always been good versus evil through the history of the earth.”

On Reddit, the divide was just as sharp. One fan declared, “They just lost a lifelong Coldplay fan,” while another countered, “Regardless of the views of Kirk, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with somebody dedicating a song to the family.”

As of now, neither Coldplay nor Chris Martin has responded to the online uproar over the Wembley shout-out.

Charlie Kirk was the co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and a prominent political commentator with close ties to President Donald Trump. He was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspected gunman. Robinson has since been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder.

The investigation into Kirk’s assassination continues to unfold in Utah. Governor Spencer Cox confirmed during an appearance on ABC’s "This Week" that suspect Tyler Robinson has refused to cooperate with authorities and has not made any confessions. However, Cox noted that “people around him are cooperating,” which has provided investigators with valuable leads.

As The Blast previously reported, Robinson’s own father played a critical role in pushing the case forward. After recognizing his son in images released by law enforcement, the father confronted him directly, “Tyler, is this you? This looks like you.” Robinson allegedly responded, “I would rather kill myself than turn myself in.”

Unable to persuade him alone, Robinson’s father turned to a close family member and eventually a trusted youth pastor connected to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. That chain of outreach ultimately led a family friend to contact the sheriff’s office, more than three hours away from the shooting scene in Orem. From there, the tip was relayed to Utah County officials and the FBI, helping bring Robinson into custody.

Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, and their two young children. His assassination has sent shockwaves through political circles, with allies and critics alike condemning the violence.