Australian comedy duo The Inspired Unemployed have been criticised after posting an Instagram sketch that viewers said mocked people struggling with mental illness.
The clip, titled "The Easiest Way To Make Friends" and filmed in what appears to be New York’s Central Park, shows a couple walking past a man who is portrayed thrashing and shouting on the footpath. The male half of the couple tells his partner not to make eye contact; the man then notices the pair and proceeds to intrude on their lives, randomly yelling gibberish as the trio continues to walk together. The sketch ends with the three walking down the street before the man turns his attention to another passerby.
The post prompted a stream of critical comments from followers, many accusing the comedians—Jack Steele and Matt Ford—of making light of mental illness and addiction. "Swing and a miss, lads. Let’s look out for folks experiencing mental illness and addiction," one user wrote. Another commenter said, "Imagine being invisible every day because no one wants to make eye contact with you, anyone would go crazy. It could have easily been you. Have some f***ing charity." Several users described the sketch as ableist and said it diminished the lived experience of people with long-term mental health and substance-use challenges.
Former Bachelor contestant and scientist Dr Matt Agnew responded with a lengthy Instagram post, writing that while he usually enjoys the duo’s work, the latest sketch "ain’t it." He listed facts about mental illness and substance abuse, called the sketch "lazy" and said, "Comedy is important, but punching down is lazy. We should be destigmatising mental illness and addiction, not making fun of people who battle with it." Followers of Dr Agnew’s post echoed his criticism, with some citing personal experience of family members living with mental illness and addiction.
The criticism revived scrutiny of The Inspired Unemployed’s past controversies. In 2024 the pair faced backlash after a prank at a feminist talk in Sydney drew anger from attendees. In that incident, Jack Steele appeared as a surprise "special guest" and made remarks that some audience members described as off-colour; the segment prompted complaints that members of the audience had been duped as part of a comedy routine.
The Inspired Unemployed’s Instagram account remains a significant platform for the duo, who have built an international following with sketch videos. Responses to the latest clip reflect wider debates within comedy about satire, target selection and representation, and the responsibilities of creators when depicting vulnerable groups.
Daily Mail has contacted The Inspired Unemployed for comment on the sketch and the backlash it generated. Online responses illustrate a divide between fans who enjoy the duo’s work and others who say the sketch reinforced harmful stereotypes about people living with mental illness and addiction.
Advocates and critics who spoke in the post-commentary called for greater empathy and resources for people experiencing mental health problems and substance dependence, noting that stigma and social avoidance can contribute to inadequate support. The exchange underscores ongoing conversations in public culture about how comedians approach sensitive topics and the potential impact on communities already facing marginalisation.