The Pleasance theatre in Edinburgh has backed their decision to pull Jerry Sadowitz’s second Fringe show in a new detailed statement.
Venue bosses say that they received a host of complaints and felt that the content and language used by the controversial comedian and magician was “completely unacceptable.” They say their aim as an organisation is to be inclusive and to ensure that everyone feels welcome when viewing a show at their premises.
The Pleasance also condemned the abuse that has been levelled at their members of staff following the decision to pull Sadowitz’s Saturday show on August 13. They added that they “do not believe that racism, homophobia, sexism or misogynistic language have a place in our venues” and said that times were changing with what is deemed acceptable.
READ MORE: Controversial Edinburgh Fringe performer has show cancelled by venue bosses
In their new statement, a spokesperson for the theatre said: "As previously stated, the Pleasance chose to pull Jerry Sadowitz’s second and final show. Due to numerous complaints, we became immediately aware of content that was considered, among other things, extreme in its racism, sexism, homophobia and misogyny.
“We will not associate with content which attacks people’s dignity and the language used on stage was, in our view, completely unacceptable. A large number of people walked out of Jerry Sadowitz’s show as they felt uncomfortable and unsafe to remain in the venue.
“We have received an unprecedented number of complaints that could not be ignored and we had a duty to respond. The subsequent abuse directed to our teams is also equally unacceptable.
“At the Pleasance, our values are to be inclusive, diverse and welcoming. We are proud of the progress we have made across our programming, which includes significant investment and support for Black, Asian and Global Majority artists, LGBTQ+ voices, those from working class backgrounds, and the strong representation of women.
“We do not believe that racism, homophobia, sexism or misogynistic language have a place in our venues. In a changing world, stories and language that were once accepted on stage, whether performed in character or not, need to be challenged.
“There is a line that we will not cross at the Pleasance, and it was our view that this line was crossed on this occasion. We don’t vet the full content of acts in advance and while Jerry Sadowitz is a controversial comedian, we could not have known the specifics of his performance.
“The Pleasance has staged his work numerous times over the years, but as soon as we received complaints from those in the building which caused us great concern, we knew we could not allow the final performance to go ahead. The arts and comedy in particular have always pushed the boundaries of social norms but this boundary is always moving.
“Our industry has to move with it. However, this does not mean that we can allow such content to be on our stages."
Edinburgh Live reported yesterday that Sadowitz had taken to Twitter to express his bemusement at having his second show cancelled and to apologise to fans. This led to a swarm of support coming his way from a variety of comedians on social media.
Sadowitz posted: “Did a show last night, 75 mins, thought it went well. Didn't see any walkouts.
“Today (Saturday August 13) I’m told my show's been cancelled. Great stuff. I'm truly sorry for everyone who travelled to see the show tonight.”
The Pleasance website had the following overview for the show: “Jerry Sadowitz returns with his whacky impressions of Greta Thunberg, Frankie Boyle and deep vein thrombosis.
“He also promises to do less hate-fuelled swearing and focus more on faux liberal pish in order to appeal to the middle class and their disposable income and personalities.”
The show also came with a warning that alerted potential customers to the fact that its content included some strong language and themes that some may find distressing.
On Saturday, Anthony Alderson, director of the Pleasance, said: "The Pleasance is a venue that champions freedom of speech and we do not censor comedians’ material.
"While we acknowledge that Jerry Sadowitz has often been controversial, the material presented at his first show is not acceptable and does not align with our values. This type of material has no place on the festival and the Pleasance will not be presenting his second and final show."
They added that they would not be working with the comedian in the future.
READ MORE —
- Mum 'speechless' after neighbour's remark about her daughter's behaviour
- Cost of living crisis warning as energy bills set to equal 'two months’ wages'
- Scottish mum 'taken aback' after neighbour tries to force rules for her garden
- Edinburgh property: Inside the 3 bed coastal cottage cheaper than a city flat
- Edinburgh Airport announces £100,000 cash giveaway to benefit 'local communities'
