Students stage walk out ahead of Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement speech at Duke

A number of graduating students staged a walk-out ahead of a speech by comedian Jerry Seinfeld at Duke University’s commencement ceremony, reports BBC.

Social media videos showed pro-Palestinian protesters at Duke University, North Carolina, chanting and waving Palestinian flags, donning robes, in protest as the veteran actor was awarded an honorary degree on Sunday.

Jerry Seinfeld created and wrote a semi-fictionalised version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld.

He has been an outspoken supporter of Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack and during the war in Gaza.

Many students stayed back at the ceremony to listen to the comedian’s speech. Some even chanted words of support.

The incident took place as the 70-year-old actor was introduced on stage by the institution’s president, Vincent Price.

Loud booing and chants of “Free Palestine” could be heard in videos that went viral on social media.

Some people, in the surrounding rows, could be seen leaving as the actor began his convocation speech. Although he managed to deliver his speech without major interruptions.

The Jewish actor is among 700 entertainment industry figures, who signed an open letter in support of Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’s attack.

Seinfeld, who is the father of two Duke students, visited a kibbutz in Israel in December. Kibbutz is a communal living situation that is unique to Israel. There he met with families of hostages taken into Gaza by Hamas.