Breakneck Comedy calls for online abuse to stop amid Karen Dunbar pay dispute

An Aberdeen event promoter has called for an end to online abuse after it was embroiled in a dispute with Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar.

Breakneck Comedy has urged customers and social media users to raise any concerns “respectfully” with staff after receiving a wave of online criticism.

The company has faced backlash after Dunbar told fans she had been forced to cancel her Aw Roon the Hooses tour halfway through due to pay issues.

In a video shared online, the comedian said she was “gutted” to have to cancel the tour with 20 shows left but claimed that the promoter had only paid her for five of the 19 shows she had already done.

Breakneck Comedy issued a statement in response, denying the allegations of non-payment.

They argued that, due to low ticket sales, rising costs, and venue changes, they had to renegotiate with Dunbar regarding the tour agreement fee and terms, but their requests were denied.

Legal fight over non-payment claims

Breakneck Comedy said it is now planning to lodge a notice of intention to defend and has called for an end to abuse directed at the company on social media.

A statement shared on Tuesday said: “There is a legal process under way, through which the parties’ positions and evidence can be considered. Please allow the courts to do their job and the legal process to take its course.

“While proceedings are ongoing, we will limit further public comment on the details of the dispute.

“We appreciate your patience while our team works through the backlog of enquiries and additional work this situation has caused. Replies may take longer than usual, and we thank you for bearing with us as we work through the messages received.

“Thank you to our customers, staff, comedians and venue partners for your continued support and understanding.

“We respectfully ask that online harassment, abuse and personal attacks directed at Breakneck Comedy and our staff stop. We understand that customers may have questions and concerns, and we ask that these are raised respectfully with our team.”