A THEATRE has cancelled a show by US comedian Reginald D Hunter following an accusation that jokes he made at a Fringe show were antisemitic.
The Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, announced the decision a day after the comic apologised for what he said was an “unfortunate incident” during his show.
It was reported that two Israeli audience members at Hunter’s Fluffy Fluffy Beavers show took issue with the comedian joking that an abusive wife complaining about being abused herself was “like being married to Israel”.
READ MORE: SNP MP voices 'anger' over Scottish Government meeting with Israel
The theatre is run by East Renfrewshire Culture, which has issued a statement to say the September show has been cancelled due to “controversial comments”.
A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure said: “We defend the freedom of expression of artists and understand that our audiences expect to extend some latitude to many acts, including alternative comedy which may be controversial in places.
“However, we have a commitment to our community, and to our values of diversity and inclusion, which we take seriously.”
The spokesperson also confirmed all customers will receive a refund.
Hunter previously took to social media following the incident at the Assembly’s George Square Studios venue.
He said he regretted any “stress caused’ but said that “as a comedian I do push boundaries in creating humour, it’s part of my job”.
Hunter went on to repeat the joke and made further reference to the Jewish Chronicle newspaper being behind a paywall, saying it was “typical Jews”.
READ MORE: SNP sacrificed moral high ground on Gaza with Israeli diplomat meeting
The comments were met with criticism from the Campaign Against Antisemitism who said they were “extremely concerning” and that comedians should “have a responsibility to their audience”.
According to BBC journalist James Cheyne, who attended the show on Thursday evening, Hunter made a number of jokes which people could have taken offence to, including jokes about Rolf Harris and Jimmy Savile.
The journalist said: “One audience member shouted out ‘I’m Jewish and I love the joke’ when he told it.”
This article previously made reference to Giffnock, East Lothian, but has now been corrected to East Renfrewshire.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel