Theatre cancels comedian’s upcoming show amid Israel comments row

Scottish police have cleared Reginald D Hunter after an investigation into claims of a ‘hate crime‘  and undaunted, one of his next gigs being cancelled he doubles down on the anti-semitic quips. From various news reports (hyper-links given)  and the man himself on X. 

Officers have found “no crime” was committed at a Reginald D Hunter comedy gig, where it is claimed that two Israelis were heckled out of his event by the audience.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a hate incident, which reportedly took place at an event in Edinburgh on Sunday, August 11, 2024. All information gathered was fully reviewed and no crime was established.”

Meanwhile Eastwood Park Theatre in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, has cancelled the American comic’s gig next month, citing “controversial comments” made during his Fluffy Fluffy Beavers show on Sunday.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, which runs Eastwood Park Theatre, confirmed on Friday it was cancelling Hunter’s gig on Saturday 28 September “due to controversial comments made during a recent performance”. A spokesperson added: “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 leisure body said all customers who bought tickets will receive a refund.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the comedian said: “There was an unfortunate incident in my new show Fluffy Fluffy Beavers. As a comedian, I do push boundaries in creating humour, it’s part of my job. This inevitably creates divided opinions but I am staunchly anti-war and anti-bully…”

On X several commentors who have challenged him are not engaged but are accused of lying

…and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie and they lie… https://t.co/clM5yHfstD

— Reginald D Hunter (@reginalddhunter) August 17, 2024

He has gone on to liken either Jews, Israelis, or those who support Jews/Israel (the thread bounces about a bit between comments) as ‘Resident Evil’

And a Star Wars reference to the Dark Lords

The Sith travel in pairs https://t.co/q3fRTZPLrw

— Reginald D Hunter (@reginalddhunter) August 16, 2024

The Campaign Against Antisemitism say that having spoken to the couple jeered at and intimidated at the Fringe event

” we understand the incident to be worse than initially reported, with the victims telling us that they were left in fear of violence. . . Our lawyers are exploring legal options and we urge anyone present at the show to contact us in confidence . . . We are also contacting @PoliceScotland with additional evidence for them to review.

Mr Hunter has laughed off his Holocaust jokes in the past, but watching on and cracking supposed jokes about “typical f***ing Jews” even moments after Jews have been hounded out of your show is a sickening low that cannot be disguised as comedy.

We will continue to support the victims and ensure that Mr Hunter faces the consequences of his actions.”

And it turns out that he has form.  Edinburgh Fringe 2006.