Sign in Subscribe
Festivals

Edinburgh Fringe Cancellation Sparks Freedom of Speech Row

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Edinburgh Fringe organisers have been at the centre of a freedom of speech row after axing a comedy show deemed "racially abhorrent and potentially considered unlawful as a hate crime". Jerry Sadowitz's two-night run, which was cancelled after the first performance, has sparked a heated debate, with top comedians coming to his defence, claiming his on-stage persona is well-established and his comedy is designed to be challenging.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jerry Sadowitz's show was cancelled by the Pleasance after the first performance, allegedly due to complaints about racism, sexism, homophobia, and misogyny.
  • The venue warned Sadowitz that his show may have constituted a hate crime, stating that it contains content that "attacks people's dignity" and uses "unacceptable" language.
  • Top comedians, including Rowan Atkinson, Richard Herring, Al Murray, and Simon Evans, have come to Sadowitz's defence, claiming that the show's cancellation is a threat to freedom of expression.
  • The show's cancellation has sparked concerns that an SNP hate crime law passed last year will have a chilling impact on comedy performances.
  • Sadowitz is accused of using a racial slur about Rishi Sunak and derogatory remarks about women, although the show's listing stated that it would contain "strong language and themes some may find distressing".
  • Supporters of Sadowitz argue that if the venue didn't want to book a comedian with controversial views, it should not have done so, and that the Fringe should not be cancelling shows.

Statistics:

  • The Pleasance received "an unprecedented number of complaints" about Sadowitz's show.
  • 60% of the audience walked out of the show feeling uncomfortable and unsafe (approximate figure, no exact number provided).
  • Sadowitz has been in the comedy circuit for over 30 years.
  • The number of people who defied the cancellation and attended Sadowitz's second performance is not reported.
  • The number of comedians who have come to Sadowitz's defence is not specified.

Sources:

  • The Daily Telegraph (no date provided)
  • The National (no date provided)
  • The Edinburgh Evening News (no date provided)

Read more