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 read about this jerk elsewhere and I couldn't believe he'd be stupid enough to think DV is comedy material. As a survivor, I wish dicks like this could be made to experience the feeling of being physically attacked by someone a foot taller and four stone heavier than they are. The constant walking on eggshells and watching everything he does and says in case it sets off his attacker.

I wonder how he'd feel if his mother and grandmother were treated like this, although it seems to me that he's normalised this behaviour in his sick mind, so it probably wouldn't bother him.
 
It's gotten to the stage where most subjects may cause offence to someone somewhere, but comedians are not exempt from having to do 'their homework' before practising their craft. This bloke's example is the reason many folk just don't go into comedy any more. By the way, a good blonde joke is still acceptable 👌
 
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It's gotten to the stage where most subjects may cause offence to someone somewhere, but comedians are not exempt from having to do 'their homework' before practising their craft. This bloke's example is the reason many folk just don't go into comedy any more. By the way, a good blonde joke is still acceptable 👌
Not if your blonde.
 
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 !!

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 !!
Well I must be a Snowflake then because I certainly am over emotional, easily offended and unable to deal with opposing opinions ...treating DV as a joke.
Says this Sensitive Little 🌼
 
Some comedians just aren't funny. Smut, bad language is just not funny. It just shows the intelligence of some people. I am not a prude and I do swear so it's not because of that. Some people just think they have to swear to be funny.
l 'm not a prude either but l think a person who uses gutter language shows themselves up and no decent person would use it who has any intelligence.
 
DV should never be sanctioned in any form. Were there 18 yos in the audience that think, hey DV is a laughing matter. I think this comedian should be banned from public comedy shows for a period of time e.g. 18 months. Gives him the chance to rethink his material

Possibly old fashioned but I for one totally dislike the constant references made to sexuality. If someone Ned’s to come on stage and say I’m gay etc to get a laugh then the world is in a bad state.
I have never entered a stage and said hi I’m Ivory and I identify as a heterosexual!
 
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Some comedians just aren't funny. Smut, bad language is just not funny. It just shows the intelligence of some people. I am not a prude and I do swear so it's not because of that. Some people just think they have to swear to be funny.
I’ve had the misfortune to be given free tickets for Kevin Bloody Wilson show. I’ll never forget that. Misogyny, racism, homophobia and sex in any form were on his radar. And at the end of show, people went up to him to shake his hand and congratulate him! What?!!!
 
Is Fortay the stage name for Alexander Downer?

Who can forget his "the things that batter" comment?

As for some SDC members' comments regarding domestic violence, don't forget that a few cartoons and jokes in the forum have centred on domestic violence committed by women on men.

But we will just sweep that under the carpet because it doesn't exist! :devilish:
 
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….
 

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