Comic Jerry Sadowitz cancelled by the Fringe

Show axed over ‘racism, sexism, and homophobia’ ...but fans slate ‘dreadful’ move

CONTROVERSIAL comedian Jerry Sadowitz has been axed from the Fringe after complaints that his routine was ‘racially abhorrent’, sexist and amounted to a ‘hate crime’.

Sadowitz, 61, is infamous for his offensive standup material. But after audience members walked out on Friday during the opening show of his twonight run in Edinburgh, the venue decided to pull the plug and cancel yesterday’s performance. It is understood complaints were made over remarks about black people, Muslims and lesbians.

The irreverent Scots star, who has been performing his boundary-breaking brand of black comedy since 1983, was due to perform two nights at the Pleasance Lennox Theatre on Friday and Saturday with a show called Not For Anyone.

Publicity material notes it ‘contains strong language and themes some may find distressing’. It states: ‘Jerry returns with his whacky impressions of Greta Thunberg, Frankie Boyle and deep vein thrombosis. He also promises to do less hate-fuelled swearing and focus more on faux liberal p*sh in order to appeal to the middle class and their disposwomen! able income and personalities.’

On his website Sadowitz, who was born in New Jersey before moving to Glasgow when he was a child, stated: ‘Please note I might just do card tricks and say nothing for a whole hour or I might just do the usual ‘screaming fascist’ schtick. Or both. Patrons may wish to drink alcohol pre-show to avoid boredom, embarrassment and guilt.’

Despite the warnings, the venue received a string of complaints after people walked out. One person is understood to have said Sadowitz was ‘a disgrace to what the Fringe stands for’, adding that ‘a man spouting extremely racist, homophobic and sexist vitriol has no place in 2022’.

Another group left after ten minutes then later wrote that Sadowitz’s material was ‘racist, sexist and clearly used hate speech against Muslims and women’.

Yet another complaint said the show was ‘genuinely horrifying’ and featured ‘racist attacks, misogyny and abuse’. It added: ‘He openly said he hates scientists, women (who should only exist to pleasure men) black and gay people. It was truly awful.’

Yesterday the theatre axed the second performance in light of the complaints. A statement read: ‘The Pleasance Theatre Trust have cancelled Jerry Sadowitz’s second and final show with immediate effect.

‘Opinions such as those displayed on stage by Sadowitz are not acceptable and The Pleasance are not prepared to be associated with such material.’ Theatre director Anthony Alderson added: ‘The Pleasance is a venue that champions freedom of speech and we do not censor comedians’ material.

‘While we acknowledge Jerry has often been controversial, the material presented at his first show is not acceptable and does not align with our values. This type of material has no place on the festival.’

Sadowitz later tweeted: ‘Did a show last night, 75 mins, thought it went well. Didn’t see any walkouts.

Today I’m told my show’s been cancelled. Great stuff. I’m truly sorry for everyone who travelled to see the show tonight.’

The comedian was supported by fans on social media. One said: ‘It was a great show. There were about 20 walkouts, they’ll have just been the usual joyless, easily offended lefties.’ Another remarked: ‘Two couples in front of us lasted 20mins. The guys were enjoying it, but their mealy-faced birds got offended as Jerry touched on his thoughts of

‘He said he hates women, black and gay people. It was truly awful’ ‘Offensive? Absolutely, but it was also hilarious’

Gutted for those missing tonight’s show, last night proved he is one of the best stand-ups around.’

Others criticised the venue for pulling his act with one saying: ‘Seen him a few years back. Offensive? Absolutely, but it was also hilarious. When are folk going to realise being offended is not actually going to harm them?!’

Another added: ‘This is just so wrong. What does the venue and audience expect from one of your gigs? If you don’t like it, leave.’

Scots comedian Fred MacAulay also hit out and said: ‘This is an utterly dreadful development.’