Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dan Aykroyd has criticised comedy that hurts others, labelling it “easy laughs”.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Spies Like Us star said: “There is enough range in humour where you don’t have to go scatological and you don’t have to go pulling any divisive cards to get a laugh.”
Ackroyd also hit out at the type of comedy that can cause harm: “Stay away from the offensive material that should be rightly canceled for its hurtfulness.”
The Ghostbusters actor also questioned his own comedy, in particular his impression of James Brown: “Can I do my James Brown imitation? He was one of my best friends. I do his voice pretty good. But maybe I shouldn’t anymore.”
Akyroyd also said it was “more intelligent” to stay away from offensive jokes.
His comments come just weeks after Dave Chappelle became the subject of controversy following his jokes about transgender people in his latest Netflix special, The Closer.
Chappelle labelled himself “team TERF” which stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist. His comments were criticised by stars such as Hannah Gadsby and Dan Levy but initially supported by Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos.
Sarandos later apologised for defending Chappelle’s comments which resulted in a walkout by members of Netflix’s staff in protest of the special.
Since the release of the special, Chappelle has doubled down on his remarks, saying: “To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience, but you will not summon me. I am not bending to anyone’s demands.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments