Comedy show cancelled over Jewish joke
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.Dieudonné, the French stand-up comic who was due to perform tonight at the prestigious Olympia in Paris, has had his show cancelled after being accused of anti-Semitism.
The lawyer of the half-French, half Cameroonian performer said yesterday that Universal Music, owners of the 2,000-capacity Olympia, had cancelled the show on the grounds that they could not guarantee the safety of the performer nor of his audience.
Dieudonné M'Bala M'Bala, 38, has had six shows cancelled in France and Switzerland as a result of a sketch on France 3 Television in December. Dressed in military fatigues and a wide-brimmed hat associated with Orthodox Jews, he said: "I urge all of you [viewers] to convert like me [to Judaism]. Join the axis of Good, the American-Zionist axis." He ended his sketch with a Nazi salute and the cry "Isra-Heil".
Several French comics, including Guy Bedos and Dieudonné's Jewish former performance partner, Elie Semoun, criticised the comic, saying he had gone too far. Dieudonné says he is himself of mixed race and knows no borders.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments