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”.
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”.
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.
