Comedian Jerry Sadowitz was banned from performing his second show at the Edinburgh Fringe festival this weekend following a spate of complaints about his jokes.
The Scottish comic performed the first night of his show, Not For Anyone, at The Pleasance on Friday night.
A warning was issued by the venue prior to the show, stating: ‘This show contains strong language and themes some may find distressing.’
Sadowitz is known for his controversial dark style of comedy and even warned ticket-holders himself about his material in an earlier video, saying while referring to himself: ‘He’s gonna be funny. He’s gonna be rude.
‘He’s gonna do magic tricks. He’s gonna do impressions. He’s gonna get his d*** out.
‘He’s gonna do every f****** thing, so make sure you go and see him.’
However, it’s said audience members and staff alike complained about the gags made during the first show, prompting the venue to pull Sadowitz’s second night.
According to the BBC, Pleasance Theatre Trust said in a statement: ‘Opinions such as those displayed on stage by Sadowitz are not acceptable and The Pleasance are not prepared to be associated with such material.’
Its director, Anthony Alderson, added: ‘The Pleasance is a venue that champions freedom of speech and we do not censor comedians’ material.
‘While we acknowledge that Jerry Sadowitz 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 and the Pleasance will not be presenting his second and final show.’
Sadowitz addressed the venue’s decision and 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.’
One audience member claimed to The Sun that Sadowitz exposed his penis while on-stage but, he is a magician and it’s not known if the genitals reportedly shown were a prop.
The Pleasance theatre’s decision to axe the show with some welcoming the move, while others arguing it encourages censorship.
One tweeted in support of the comedian: ‘Ridiculous. Jerry Sadowitz has always been an outrageous voice. Would like to understand the reason for his cancellation. Would Bill Hicks or Lenny Bruce be viable today?’
Another agreed: ‘Why would you watch a Jerry Sadowitz show if you were easily offended? Jesus, comedy is being slowly smothered to death, one joke, one show, one comedian at a time.’
However, one applauded the theatre’s move, weighing in: ‘This is absolutely right and proper.
‘It is unacceptable in 2022 for comedians to be expressing opinions and making jokes which people may find offensive.
‘You wouldn’t find Janey Godley or Frankie Boyle peddling such filth and calling it comedy!’
Ticket-holders are able to claim refunds for those purchased for Saturday’s show.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Sadowitz’s rep for comment.
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