Theater cancels comedy show after claims of anti-Semitism

A theater has canceled a show by comedian Reginald D Hunter after accusing jokes at his Edinburgh Fringe show of being anti-Semitic.

The Eastwood Theater in Giffnock announced the decision a day after Mr Hunter apologized for what he described as “an unfortunate incident” during the performance.

It was reported that two Israeli audience members at his Fluffy Fluffy Beavers show objected to the comedian’s joke that an abusive wife who complains of being abused herself was “as if she were married to Israel”.

They were heckled by members of the audience as they left the venue

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, which runs the Eastwood Theatre, said it had canceled its September show due to “controversial comments”.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure said: “We defend the freedom of expression of artists and understand that our audiences expect some latitude to extend some latitude to many acts, including alternative comedy, which can be controversial in some places.

“However, we have a commitment to our community and our values ​​of diversity and inclusion, which we take seriously.”

The spokesperson added that all customers would receive a refund.

The BBC has contacted Mr Hunter’s management for comment.

Mr Hunter, who has previously been nominated for a Perrier Award and has appeared on many British TV shows, posted on social media about the incident at Assembly’s George Square studios.

He said he regretted any “stress caused”, but added “as a comedian, I push the boundaries in creating humour, it’s part of my job”.

Mr Hunter went on to repeat the joke and others, including a gag about the Jewish Chronicle newspaper being behind a paywall, saying they were “typical Jews” at his show on Thursday night, drawing laughter and applause from his audience.

“The crowd was supportive”

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said on social media that the comments were “extremely concerning” and that comedians should have “a responsibility to their audience”.

A Police Scotland spokesman said the force was “looking into the circumstances” of the incident.

In February, comedian Paul Currie unveiled a Palestinian flag during his show and was involved in a row with an audience member, telling the man to leave immediately.

More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

The Israeli offensive came after gunmen led by Hamas killed around 1,200 people in an attack on Israel on October 7, taking another 251 hostage.

BBC journalist James Cheyne, who was on Thursday night’s show, said the joke was “just one of many” things on the show that people could have taken offense to.

“Reginald D Hunter used the N word, the C word and made cracks about Rolf Harris and Jimmy Savile too.

“He was, in many ways, standard fare for a late-night comedy gig at the Edinburgh Fringe, but the controversy his comments caused was ever-present in the room as well.

“The comedian addressed it several times, opening with the words, ‘I wondered if anyone was coming,’ and adding, ‘It’s been quite a week.’

“He said some people would come to his shows looking to be offended and told them not to worry, promising ‘there’s something for everyone.’

“The venue was mostly full, the crowd was cheering, laughing, cheering and cheering.

“An audience member shouted ‘I’m Jewish and I like the joke’ when he said it.