Eastwood Park Theatre cancels Reginald D Hunter comedy show amid Israel comments row | Ents & Arts News

A theatre has axed an upcoming performance by comedian Reginald D Hunter following an incident that saw two Israeli audience members reportedly heckled out of his Edinburgh Fringe show.

Eastwood Park Theatre in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, has cancelled the American comic’s gig next month, citing “controversial comments” made during his Fluffy Fluffy Beavers show on Sunday.

Hunter, 55, was reported to have made a joke comparing Israel to an abusive partner.

He was then heard telling two Israeli audience members to leave after they heckled him, saying it was “not funny”, The Telegraph reported.

The pair were said to have been booed out of Assembly George Square Studios.

Hunter described it as an “unfortunate incident”, while Campaign Against Antisemitism branded it “extremely concerning” and said comedians have a “responsibility to their audience”.

Police Scotland investigated a report of a “hate incident” but found “no crime” had been committed.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, which runs Eastwood Park Theatre, confirmed on Friday it was cancelling Hunter’s gig on Saturday 28 September “due to controversial comments made during a recent performance”.

A spokesperson added: “We defend the freedom of expression of artists and understand that our audiences expect to extend some latitude to many acts, including alternative comedy, which may be controversial in places.

“However, we have a commitment to our community, and to our values of diversity and inclusion, which we take seriously.”

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The leisure body said all customers who bought tickets will receive a refund.

Hunter, an award-winning comic who is originally from the US state of Georgia, regularly tours the UK and has appeared on shows including Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, the comedian said: “There was an unfortunate incident in my new show Fluffy Fluffy Beavers.

“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 venue staff members.”

Hunter’s management has been contacted for comment over the Eastwood Park Theatre cancellation.