Australian comedian Julian Woods has ignited controversy after posting a video on Instagram featuring a joke that referenced the September 11 terrorist attacks on the anniversary of the events.
Woods, who has an Instagram following of 439,000, shared a video Friday in which he approached a stranger on a public bench. He asked the man, "If science has flown us to the moon, where has religion flown us?" before delivering the punchline: "Into the twin towers!"
Woods then opened his jacket to reveal a fake bomb strapped to his chest, stating, "It's actually the 25th anniversary of 9/11 today. Did you know that? Well, I'm not a scientist but I am religious..." He then began a countdown from ten as the man fled from the bench. Woods captioned the post, "Never Forget. 25th anniversary!" accompanied by a plane emoji.
The stunt generated a polarized response in the video's comments section. Many users expressed strong disapproval, with some citing personal loss. "Stop making jokes about 9/11. I lost my uncle on that day," one commenter wrote. Another stated, "Do you really think that is funny?!!" Others felt the humor crossed a line, with one person commenting, "I have good humor, and some 9/11 humor is funny if made appropriately, but this isn't funny."
Some fans who typically enjoy Woods' dark comedy expressed shock and disappointment, with a few indicating they had unfollowed his account. "Wow! I have no words. Love your stuff usually Julian, but you went a step too far on this one I'm afraid. Not offended, just shocked," one user wrote. Another commented, "Sorry buddy, you crossed a line with this one."
However, a portion of his audience found the video amusing and defended his use of dark humor. "This is brilliant," one commenter wrote, while another called Woods a "legend." A supporter added, "Follow a dark humour page, then whinge about dark humour. Imagine that! Lighten up."