Seinfeld address sparks Duke protest before his Delaware summer comedy show. What to know

While comedian Jerry Seinfeld will headline a sold-out show in Delaware this summer, not everyone is eager to listen to the comedian who has voiced his support of Israel, particularly not the Duke University students who protested him Sunday.

The "Unfrosted" star was invited to speak at Duke's commencement ceremony Sunday — inspiring dozens to walk out in protest. This continued the trend of students on college campuses around the country protesting the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Students in caps and gowns got up from their seats in Duke's football stadium and headed toward the exit; several waved Palestinian flags and shouted "free, free Palestine," videos show. Chants of "Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!" could be heard from the stands as Seinfeld received an honorary degree, the USA Today reported.

The Jewish comedian, who has shown lots of support to Israel since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, gave his commencement speech largely without interruption.

Jerry Seinfeld jokes at Duke commencement

Seinfeld generated laughs during his speech. He even poked fun at Duke University for bringing him.

"I am here today at the gracious invitation of president [Vincent] Price and the Duke board of trustees because, after spending four years at what is considered one of the finest institutions of higher education in the world, they apparently feel that perhaps some light entertainment will get you all to the final realization, you know: 'I think I've really had enough of his place. Let's bring in a comedian. Let's bring the sophistication and erudition of the Duke experience down a couple notches,'" Seinfeld joked.

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Seinfeld and Aubrey Plaza support Israel

Seinfeld was one of several high-profile entertainers, including Wilmington's own Aubrey Plaza, who added their signatures on an open letter to Joe Biden dated Oct. 23, asking the president to focus on helping to free the hostages in Gaza.

"Proud to be a signatory to this urgent appeal to free the 220 hostages in Gaza," Seinfeld wrote on Instagram on Oct. 24.

The comedian is the star of the new Netflix Pop-Tart comedy "Unfrosted" (with Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan and Melissa McCarthy). The film tells the story of when the Pop-Tart revolutionized breakfast.

Seinfeld will perform to a sold-out crowd at the Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville on July 25.

USA Today reporter Christopher Cann contributed to this report.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. 

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Seinfeld support of Israel sparks Duke protest before Delaware show