Comedian Fired After Podcast Remarks About Gabby Petito Murder
Melbourne comedian Nick Trapani was terminated from his day job following inappropriate comments made about murder victim Gabby Petito on his podcast.
A Melbourne comedian has lost his job after inappropriate comments were made about American murder victim Gabby Petito during an episode of his podcast.
Stand-up comedian Nick Trapani was discussing influencers with three other comedians on the "Trapanischoice" podcast when one guest made an offensive remark referencing Petito's 2021 murder. The comment suggested Petito's death was justified because she was in a van with her fiancé.
Another guest responded by stating, "That's America. America's f**ked up, I don't know what you expect." A third then referred to Petito as an "influenza" and a "virus."
While Trapani himself did not make disparaging remarks about Petito, he was seen laughing at the comments made by his guests. The podcast episode drew immediate criticism online for making light of a real tragedy.
Following the backlash, Trapani's employer, South Coast Monster Trucks, issued a statement announcing his termination. "South Coast Monster Trucks has made the decision that Nick Trapani will no longer be representing or working with our organisation," the statement read. "The content that has been brought to our attention does not reflect our values or the standards we expect from anyone associated with our team."
The organization further stated their commitment to creating a "safe, enjoyable and family-friendly environment" and apologized to anyone offended by the situation. The "Trapanischoice" Instagram page has since been deactivated.
Gabby Petito, a social media influencer, was reported missing in September 2021 while on a cross-country trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Her disappearance garnered national attention, and Laundrie became a person of interest. Petito's remains were discovered later that month, and a forensic examiner ruled her death a homicide. Laundrie was found deceased in October 2021 in Florida.
Trapani is also known for running a remedial massage clinic and has a significant following on social media as an amateur comedian and presenter.