UK: Comedy Show Axed Over Gender Views

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Facts

  • Following customer complaints, an arts venue in Edinburgh — which frequently hosts queer and drag events — has canceled a comedy show in which gender-critical screenwriter Graham Linehan was due to appear on Thursday.1
  • The Leith Arches said on Tuesday that it was unaware the controversial Irish comedian was part of the event's lineup, adding that, as "an inclusive venue," Linehan's presence didn't align with its values.2
  • The 55-year-old Father Ted, Black Books, and IT Crowd creator — who has been publicly critical of transgender issues — has reportedly threatened to sue the organizers if they don't apologize and reverse the decision.3
  • Organized by Andrew Doyle and Andy Shaw's Comedy Unleashed, the sold-out gig was promoted as an evening of "edgy comedy," featuring four named comedians and a "surprise famous canceled comedian."4
  • The event has reportedly been moved to a confidential venue to prevent trans activists from canceling it again, with ticket-holders having been told to expect an e-mail confirming the new location on Thursday afternoon.5
  • Meanwhile, Scottish Member of Parliament Joanna Cherry — who once had her fringe show axed over her gender views, only to have it reinstated after she threatened legal action — has stated that Edinburgh "is in danger of becoming an unlawful discrimination and anti-free speech hotspot."6

Sources: 1Guardian, 2Independent, 3Daily Record, 4BBC News, 5Daily Mail, and 6The Telegraph.

Narratives

  • Left narrative, as provided by The Pinknews. Linehan has long spread anti-trans hate and disinformation, comparing gender-affirming care for trans children to Nazi human experimentation and even stalking a trans woman. Though available for hire and private events, forcing the Leith Arches to accept a comedy show promoting values that starkly contrast with its inclusive nature would be unjustified.
  • Right narrative, as provided by UnHerd. It's ironic and outrageous that an allegedly inclusive venue has decided to drop a comedy show simply because its performers don't subscribe to an ideologically dominant viewpoint. This decision exposes the perverse character of cancel culture and the importance of events like Comedy Unleashed to fight the worrying wave of censorship in the comedy industry.