A British comedian’s show has been cancelled by a theatre following an allegation that his act included an anti-Semitic joke.
Reginald D. Hunter is one of the most prominent comedians performing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, UK. The Eastwood Theatre cancelled his show a day after Hunter apologised for what he called “an unfortunate incident” at the George Square studio venue.
The BBC reports that two members of the Israeli audience complained After Hunter made a comment about an abusive wife, “it’s like being married to Israel.” As they left their seats, other audience members booed them.
The event’s hosts, East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, reportedly said they cancelled the show due to “controversial comments”. They also defended “the artists’ freedom of expression” and hoped the public would “give some freedom to many artists”.
They said: “We have a commitment to our community and to our values of diversity and inclusion, which we take seriously.”
Hunter wrote on social media that he regretted any “stress caused” but added that “as a comedian, I push boundaries when creating humor, it’s part of my job.”