An Edinburgh Fringe Festival venue has admitted to discriminating against a Jewish comedian after cancelling his show last year. The Banshee Labyrinth pub cancelled Philip Simon's performance, titled 'Shall I Compere Thee In A Funny Way', citing 'rhetoric and symbology' as reasons for the decision.
One of the reasons provided by the venue for cancelling the show was Simon's attendance at a vigil commemorating victims of the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. The venue stated that the comedian's performances were halted due to staff safety concerns, despite his show not referencing the conflict in Gaza or Israel. In a statement to the comedy industry website Chortle, the venue asserted that Simon had expressed views aligning with groups associated with humanitarian violations.
Simon responded on social media, stating his only expressed support was for the freeing of hostages and finding peace. He added that he was processing the idea of being cancelled in 2025 simply for being Jewish.
Philip Simon initiated a civil action at Edinburgh Sheriff Court against the venue's owners, Morrison Bros Ltd, alleging discrimination based on race, religion, or belief. The company acknowledged on Monday that it had violated the Equality Act 2010. The amount of damages to be awarded is still under consideration.
"It is a shame that Banshee Labyrinth decided to let this run all the way to just before the court hearing, rather than accepting any of our previous settlement offers that included an apology, anti-Semitism training, and making a contribution to an anti-Semitism charity," Simon stated. Natalie Stone of Friends in the Arts, an organization that combats antisemitism in the arts, commented that "Jewish artists should be able to perform and participate in the UK arts without being subjected to discrimination because of their identity."
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism remarked, "Let this serve as an example that venues cannot discriminate against Jewish artists with impunity." The venue was contacted for comment. Simon is currently performing in 'Jew-O-Rama' at The Alcove at Laughing Horse @ Bar 50.