Comedian Reginald D Hunter has expressed regret over an incident at his show at the Edinburgh Fringe, where two Israelis were reportedly heckled and forced to leave. The 55-year-old US comedian, known for his appearances on comedy panel shows like Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Have I Got News For You, addressed the incident in a statement posted on his social media accounts.
Reginald D Hunter’s show, “Fluffy Fluffy Beavers,” at the Assembly George Square Studios reportedly took a controversial turn when the audience booed two individuals who objected to Hunter’s joke about Israel. The Campaign Against Antisemitism voiced their concerns over the incident, stating that the reports are “extremely concerning.”
In his statement, Hunter acknowledged the incident, stating, “There was an unfortunate incident in my new show ‘Fluffy Fluffy Beaver.’ As a comedian, I do push boundaries in creating humor, it’s part of my job. This inevitably created divided opinions, but I am staunchly anti-war and anti-bully. I regret any stress caused to the audience and venue staff members.”
The reference to being “anti-war” in Hunter’s statement seems to allude to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen heightened tensions in recent times. The Campaign Against Antisemitism emphasized that while comedians are given creative freedom, they also have a responsibility to their audience.
The campaign group alleged that the two individuals who were heckled out of the show were Jewish Israelis and were subjected to unfair treatment by the audience. They condemned Hunter’s actions, stating, “Watching on and cracking jokes as Jews are hounded out of your show is a sickening low that cannot be disguised as comedy.”
The incident has prompted a police review under Scotland’s Hate Crime Act. A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed that they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the reported hate incident at the event in Edinburgh on August 11.
This is not the first time Reginald D Hunter has faced controversy over his comedy. In 2013, he was embroiled in a dispute over his use of offensive language at the Professional Footballers’ Association awards. The PFA faced criticism for booking Hunter, with the agency facilitating the gig claiming that he had gone off script.
Additionally, in 2006, a promotional poster for Hunter’s comedy shows was banned by the London Underground for being deemed “likely to offend.” These incidents highlight the comedian’s history of pushing boundaries and sparking controversy with his material.
As the debate around freedom of speech and responsible comedy continues, it is essential for performers like Reginald D Hunter to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions on diverse audiences. Comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary and satire, but it should never come at the expense of marginalized groups or perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Moving forward, it is crucial for comedians, venues, and audiences alike to engage in constructive dialogues about the boundaries of humor and the importance of creating inclusive and respectful spaces for all. By promoting empathy, understanding, and mutual respect, we can foster a comedy culture that celebrates diversity and challenges prejudice.