'No crime established' after police review 'hate incident' at Reginald D Hunter Edinburgh Fringe show
The US comedian issued a statement saying there had been an "unfortunate incident" at his gig following reports two Israeli audience members were booed out of the show.
Friday 16 August 2024 14:32, UK
Police investigating a report of a "hate incident" have said "no crime" was established after two Israeli audience members were reportedly heckled out of Reginald D Hunter's Edinburgh Fringe show.
The US stand-up comedian issued a statement on Thursday following reports two people were booed out of his Fluffy Fluffy Beaver show at Assembly George Square Studios over their objection to a joke about Israel.
Hunter, who regularly tours the UK and has appeared on comedy panel shows Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out Of 10 Cats, described it as an "unfortunate incident".
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of a hate incident, which reportedly took place at an event in Edinburgh on Sunday 11 August 2024.
"All information gathered was fully reviewed and no crime was established."
Hunter, 55, was said to have made a joke comparing Israel to an abusive partner.
He was then heard telling the two Israelis to leave after they heckled him saying it was "not funny", The Telegraph reported.
In his statement posted to social media, Hunter said: "There was an unfortunate incident in my new show Fluffy Fluffy Beaver.
"As a comedian, I do push boundaries in creating humour, it's part of my job.
"This inevitably created divided opinions but I am staunchly anti-war and anti-bully.
"I regret any stress caused to the audience and venue staff members."
Read more:
Controversial play about JK Rowling 'hit by death threats'
Why it's a summer of discontent for arts festivals
The Georgia-born comic's "anti-war" reference appears to be a reference to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism charity said the "events described at the Edinburgh Fringe are extremely concerning".
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Posting on X, a spokesperson for the organisation said: "Comedians are rightly given broad latitude, but they also have a responsibility to their audience.
The campaign group claimed the two people were Jewish Israelis and were "hounded" from the show by the audience.
"We have seen this before in recent months, and venues must stand extremely firm against this kind of behaviour," the post added.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Hunter and the Edinburgh venue have been contacted for additional comment.