Getty ImagesOfficers have found “no crime” was committed at a Reginald D Hunter comedy gig, where it is claimed that two Israelis were heckled out of his event by the audience.
The US comedian, 55, issued a statement on Thursday, saying he regretted an “unfortunate incident” which occurred at his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show Fluffy Fluffy Beavers at the Assembly George Square Studios on Sunday.
It was reported two people left the show after being booed by the audience over their objection to a joke made by Hunter about Israel.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism said the reports were “extremely concerning” following the Georgia-born comedian’s show.
Following the incident, Eastwood Theatre in Giffnock announced that it would not go ahead with Hunter’s upcoming September show and has removed the listing from its website as well.
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s spokeswoman said: “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.
“All customers who have purchased tickets for this show will receive a full refund.”
In a statement on social media, Hunter 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 created divided opinions but I am staunchly anti-war and anti-bully.
“I regret any stress caused to the audience and venue staff members.”
The Campaign Against Antisemitism wrote on X that “comedians are rightly given broad latitude, but they also have a responsibility to their audience”.
“We have seen this before in recent months, and venues must stand extremely firm against this kind of behaviour,” the post also said.
Assembly George Square Studios confirmed that there are no plans to cancel Hunter’s gigs at its venue, which are set to run until August 25.
A spokeswoman for the venue said: “We are aware of two members of the audience choosing to leave Reginald D Hunter’s performance on Sunday August 11.
“The venue front of house team attended and supported them upon exiting.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a hate incident, which reportedly took place at an event in Edinburgh on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
“All information gathered was fully reviewed and no crime was established.”
In 2013, Hunter was involved in a row over offensive language at the Professional Footballers’ Association awards.
The PFA came under fire for the booking, and the agency that facilitated the gig claimed he went off script.
In 2006, a promotion poster for his comedy shows was banned with London Underground saying at the time it was “likely to offend”.
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