Kristin Chenoweth has responded to the backlash she received for her tribute to Charlie Kirk.

The Broadway star has spoken out after facing heavy criticism for her tribute to right-wing political activist Kirk, who was fatally shot on 10 September.

Following the news of Kirk's death, Chenoweth took to Instagram to pay tribute to the controversial media personality.

"I'm. So. Upset.," she wrote in the comments section of a March Turning Point USA Instagram post. "Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still."

In a new interview with NY1's Frank DiLella, the host said that Chenoweth's post was met with "mixed reactions", to which the Wicked star replied, "Mixed? You're being kind."

DiLella then acknowledged that Chenoweth, 57, has a large LGBTQ+ fan base, while Kirk "openly opposed same-sex marriage (and) trans rights".

Asked what she had hoped to convey in her tribute, the actress replied, tears welling in her eyes, "Oh, goodness, I'm sorry if emotion gets involved here, forgive me. I saw what happened online with my own eyes and I had a human moment of reflection right then."

Chenoweth went on to say that she understood that her comment had hurt some people.

"I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so badly. I would never," she stated. "It's no secret that I'm a Christian, that I'm a person of faith."

The Glee actress continued, "It's also no secret that I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for some, that doesn't go together. But for me, it always has and it always will."

Kirk died after being shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31.