Harrow Council has cancelled stand-up comedian Reginald D. Hunter’s show at the Harrow Arts Centre, following reports that Israeli audience members were jeered during his performance at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Hunter was scheduled to perform at the Harrow Arts Centre on October 11, but the council decided to cancel the event after an antisemitic joke that was allegedly made during his August 11 show at the Assembly George Square Studio, which sparked a controversy over antisemitism.
A Harrow Council spokesperson 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 of 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 of 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 October 11.”
In a statement issued by the comedian, Hunter said, “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. I regret any stress caused to the audience and staff members.”
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