Controversial Joke at Edinburgh Festival

An incident at the Edinburgh Festival involving comedian Reginald D Hunter has sparked significant backlash after two Israeli audience members were verbally attacked during his performance. The couple, who objected to a joke, were met with shouts of "Free Palestine" and insults labeling them as "genocidal" and unwelcome. Anti-Semitism campaigners have condemned the event as a "sickening low" that cannot be justified as comedy. The altercation occurred during a packed show on Sunday night, described by critics as one of the "ugliest Edinburgh Fringe moments ever." Instead of addressing the hostile audience members, Hunter reportedly dismissed the hecklers' concerns, suggesting they appeared foolish for voicing their objections in a room full of laughter. The couple, one of whom was disabled, ultimately left the venue amid continued jeering, while Hunter allegedly laughed at their exit. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, with users labeling the incident as "awful" and "anti-Semitic." Critics argue that if a comedian's material targets a marginalized group, it reflects more on the comedian as a bully than as a performer. Hunter has faced similar controversies in the past, including accusations of making anti-Semitic remarks during previous Edinburgh Fringe shows. Campaign Against Antisemitism representatives expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting Hunter's history of controversial jokes about Jewish people. They emphasized that the events at the festival represent a troubling trend in comedy that trivializes serious issues.