Aussie comic makes 'vile' joke at first gig, gets cancelled instantly

The comedy world is a delicate balance between pushing boundaries and respecting sensitivities.

It's a craft that requires a sense of humor and responsibility, especially regarding topics that can profoundly affect individuals and communities.

Unfortunately, not all who step onto the comedy stage seem to grasp this balance, as was the case with an Australian comedian whose career was cut short almost as soon as it began.


In a shocking turn of events, a budding Aussie comic found himself at the center of a controversy that led to the abrupt end of his stand-up career.

During his first performance at a Brisbane comedy club, the comedian known as Fortay made a series of distasteful and offensive jokes about domestic violence.

He referenced the 2019 incident involving NRL star Ben Barba and his partner, Ainslie Currie.


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An Australian comedian's debut performance was cancelled due to inappropriate jokes about domestic violence. Credit: Instagram


The routine, which was met with a mixture of cheers and outrage, included remarks about Barba's assault on Currie, which had been a subject of legal proceedings.

Barba himself had admitted to the abhorrent nature of his actions, but Fortay seemed to think it was appropriate material for his comedy debut.

The audience's reaction was mixed, with some cheering and others in disbelief at the insensitivity displayed on stage.


The backlash was swift and severe. Anti-domestic violence campaigners, including Sherele Moody, took to social media to condemn the performance, questioning the character of a man who would make light of such a serious issue.

'What sort of man jokes about bashing woman?' she said.

The public outcry was echoed across the internet, with commenters expressing disgust and disappointment.

'This is vile, anyone who jokes about DV is absolutely sick,' one commented.

'I don't care what anyone says.'

'If that's the only thing you can joke about, maybe you are not funny.'


The public's response canceled Fortay's upcoming gigs at a comedy club in Western Australia.

The comedian's reaction to the cancellation was unapologetic; he expressed regret only for disappointing his fans in Perth.

'Sorry Perth the sad c**** at Jack Rabbits Slims buckled under pressure,' he remarked.

'What I do is I'm an artist, comedy is an art, music is an art and they want to censor our art. We don't want to work at their venues.'

'So look, I'm not telling you to go down there and smash windows and graffiti the place because that wouldn't be very nice, but if that happens, it happens.'


The controversy surrounding Fortay's performance follows another incident involving Triple M host Marty Sheargold, who was let go after making sexist comments about the Matildas, Australia's women's national soccer team.

These events serve as a wake-up call for entertainers and media personalities to consider the impact of their words and strive for humor that doesn't diminish others' dignity.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that humor is a vital part of life, bringing joy and laughter into our days.

However, we also recognise the importance of respect and empathy towards others.
Key Takeaways

  • An Australian comedian's debut performance was cancelled after making inappropriate jokes about domestic violence.
  • The comedian, known as Fortay, referenced a domestic violence incident involving NRL star Ben Barba during his act.
  • The public and anti-DV campaigners expressed their disgust and condemnation of the jokes on social media.
  • Following the backlash, Fortay's upcoming performances in Western Australia were cancelled, and he responded non-apologetically to the cancellation.
How should comedians navigate sensitive topics, and where should the line be drawn? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
 

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I’m not a fan of comedy at all…. I don’t like comedy films or series and I would no more go to watch a comedian than turn into a pink pig that flies. However I am known to spontaneously laugh out loud if a memory from the past invades my mind….and I can’t stop….my laugh is weird and people laugh with me when they don’t know what I’m laughing at…. I did used to watch a duo called Canon and Ball, they always made me laugh or cheer me up if I was down….. I prefer humour to be clean rather than the use of strategic swearing to get a laugh. I don’t think comedians should ever try to be funny about issues that hurt people…to try and make comedy about domestic violence, or any other kind of violence is no joke….. I do think that there has to be humour in the world and everyone deserves a good laugh, it makes you feel better…….. but all of this woke business is crippling a lot of what people need…..a jolly good belly laugh….
Good comedy on tonight at 7.30 on GO ''Cheaper By The Dozen'' great movie
 
  • Like
Reactions: Miss Chris
Not if your blonde.
I am blonde, and think there are some very funny blonde jokes, out there. I do ask the attending audience if anybody minds if I tell a few. I apologise beforehand in case I upset anyone present, and explain that this is not my intention.
Some people find a lot of things to be upset about. It is a fine line sometimes . I worked in aged care as a therapist for some years. My residents loved watching Benny Hill. They had fond memories of watching his risque skits on television. However, this entertainment was to be shortlived. The nurses decided that this was "sexist and inappropriate", disrespecting women". The DVD of Benny Hill shows disappeared.
 
Totally agree. Good comedians do not have to resort to foul language.
Robin Williams, Dave Allen, Graham Kenndy, Billy Connolly, and many actors were and are still great at comedy, and they have ALL used potty mouth or acts of violence at some time in their performances. The most important fact is in the intent or context that the violence or potty mouth is used.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Sherril54
The problem is this Political Correctness bullshit, and that now,all the snowflakes are offended by anything.
No such thing as a joke any more !!
Not called political correctness but community awareness that we have higher standards than vulgar imbiciles
 
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Reactions: Sherril54

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