Star Trek actor Tim Russ is facing criticism after mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk by posting an image of Captain Kirk on social media with the caption, “The only Kirk that matters.”
Russ, best known for playing Tuvok in Star Trek: Voyager, shared the post just days after Kirk was gunned down while speaking at Utah Valley University. His post has since circulated widely online, drawing backlash for appearing to make light of Kirk’s death.
The actor is due to return in the Star Trek: Khan podcast. Worth a mention is that Russ’s comments also follow Skydance acquiring Paramount, which has been said to be getting rid of DEI policies. It’s unknown if that is an additional reason for Russ’s tweet.
Russ has also done voice work for Elder Scrolls and Starfield, two games from game developer Bethesda, which is also facing major backlash for social media posts.
Shatner Offers Condolences
In contrast, fellow Star Trek legend William Shatner, who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk, expressed sympathy. “Assassination is so senseless. Condolences to the Kirk family,” Shatner posted on X.
Russ’ comment adds to the growing list of entertainment and gaming industry figures who have mocked or dismissed Kirk’s death online (see below), further fueling debate about political polarization and the public response to his assassination.
Shatner also added in a separate tweet following Russ’s tweet: “Just because someone believes something different than you do shouldn’t make them targets. Accept that they don’t see your views & move on. It’s differing viewpoints that make life interesting & makes the world go round… unless you believe the earth is flat; then I guess it just sits there.”
Assassination is so senseless. Condolences to the Kirk family. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 11, 2025
Just because someone believes something different than you do shouldn’t make them targets. Accept that they don’t see your views & move on. It’s differing viewpoints that make life interesting & makes the world go round…🤨🤔unless you believe the earth is flat; then I guess it… pic.twitter.com/YJQYxEyuQ3
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 17, 2025
Backlash Spreads Through Entertainment and Media
The fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination has sparked a wave of reactions across entertainment, gaming, and publishing. Hollywood names like Batman actor Michael Keaton and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter Ava Raine have been criticized for their remarks, while companies such as Bethesda, Epic Games, Blizzard, and SEGA have faced backlash after developers and artists posted celebratory or mocking comments online.
In comics, DC canceled trans writer Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Red Hood series after her comments about Kirk drew intense criticism. Legendary artist Alex Ross also stirred controversy when his official X account posted and quickly deleted a Superman image following the shooting. Meanwhile, author Stephen King deleted tweets about Kirk and later issued an apology ahead of the release of his film adaptation The Long Walk.
On the gaming side, Ghost of Yotei developer Drew Harrison was fired after public posts celebrating Kirk’s death, while Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk’s assassination, allegedly inscribed video game references onto bullet casings tied to the killing.
