Theatre cancels comedy show after antisemitism claims

A theatre has cancelled a show by comedian Reginald D Hunter after an accusation jokes at his Edinburgh Fringe show were antisemitic.

Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock announced the decision a day after Mr Hunter apologised for what he described as an "unfortunate incident" during the show.

It was reported that two Israeli audience members at his Fluffy Fluffy Beavers show objected to the comedian joking that an abusive wife complaining about being abused herself was "like being married to Israel".

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, which runs Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock, said it had cancelled his September show 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 added all customers will receive a refund.

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

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

He said he regretted any "stress caused" but added "as a comedian I do push 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 it was "typical Jews" at his show on Thursday night, receiving laughter and applause from his audience.

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 spokesperson said the force was "reviewing the circumstances" of the incident.

In February, the comedian Paul Currie unveiled a Palestine flag during his show and became embroiled 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 Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

The Israeli offensive came after Hamas-led gunmen killed about 1,200 people in an attack on Israel on 7 October, capturing 251 others as hostages.

BBC Journalist James Cheyne, who attended the Thursday night show, said the joke was "just one of many" things in the show which people might have taken offence at.

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

"It was in many ways common fare for a late night comedy gig at the Edinburgh Fringe, but the controversy his comments have caused was ever present in the room too.

"The comedian addressed it multiple times, opening with the words 'I wondered if anybody was coming' and adding 'It’s been quite a week.'

"He said some people would come to his shows seeking to be offended and told them not to worry, promising “there is something for everybody.”

"The venue was mostly full, the crowd was supportive, laughing, clapping and cheering.

"One audience member shouted out “I’m Jewish and I love the joke” when he told it.