London council cancels Reginald D Hunter stand-up show over ‘anti-Semitic’ joke

Theatre removes American comedian from upcoming gig, citing clash of ‘values’

A Reginald D Hunter comedy show has been cancelled by a London council after a row over an “anti-Semitic” Israel joke.
The American performer has faced a backlash after audience members were jeered out of his Edinburgh Fringe show for objecting to his joke comparing the Jewish state to an abusive spouse.
Hunter was subsequently set to play at Harrow Arts Centre, but Harrow council has cancelled the show because of a clash of “values”.
The local authority has asked the 400-seater theatre, which is funded by the council, to remove Hunter from the line-up of a planned show in October. 
A council spokesman said: “We champion arts and culture in Harrow and strongly support freedom of speech. However, we also take seriously our duty to foster good relations with people – something we take great pride in Harrow.
“Recent comments and events relating to Reginald D Hunter do not reflect our values of diversity, inclusion, and good community relations.
“We were also particularly concerned by reports about the treatment of audience members at his recent show in Edinburgh. We have therefore taken the decision to remove this act from the mixed bill comedy show at Harrow Arts Centre on Oct 11.”
Hunter has been embroiled in a row since a show at the Assembly George Square Studio on Aug 11.
During the show, Hunter made a reference to My Wife, My Abuser, a Channel 5 documentary about an abusive partner who publicly claimed that her victim was guilty of abusing her.
He told the audience: “When I saw that, I thought, my God, it’s like being married to Israel.”
Two people in the audience, who said they were Israeli, said the joke was “not funny”.
A protracted exchange followed, and Hunter asked the pair to leave, while they faced jeers from other members of the audience.
Hunter continued his show after the pair had left, telling an anecdote about how he was once made aware that someone from The Jewish Chronicle would be watching his show for a review.
Hunter said his partner sought out the review, but could not access it online because of a paywall, saying: “Typical f—ing Jews, they won’t tell you anything unless you subscribe.”
The comedian said the show, taken as anti-Semitic by some, was an “unfortunate incident” and that he regretted “any stress caused to the audience and venue staff members”.
In the wake of the Edinburgh gig, his show due to be held at Eastwood Park Theatre in East Renfrewshire – home to a large Jewish community – was cancelled over “controversial comments”.