Key Takeaways
- Laugh Camp Comedy Club in St. Paul, Minnesota has canceled six sold-out performances of comedian Ben Bankas due to controversy surrounding his jokes about the death of Renee Good.
- The cancellation comes amidst protests in Minneapolis over the deaths of Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by agents.
- The comedy club owner, Bill Collins, cited concerns for the safety of staff and guests as the reason for the cancellation, which is expected to cost him around $17,000.
- Bankas has faced backlash for his jokes, with a previous show being canceled in December due to his comedy not aligning with the venue’s values.
Introduction to the Controversy
Minneapolis is currently a city in turmoil, with protests and unrest following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by agents. In the midst of this chaos, a comedy club in the nearby city of St. Paul has found itself at the center of controversy. Laugh Camp Comedy Club had scheduled six performances of comedian Ben Bankas, but has since canceled them due to outrage over his jokes about Good’s death. The shows had already sold out, but the club’s owner, Bill Collins, has decided that the risks associated with hosting the performances outweigh the potential benefits.
The Cancellation Decision
Collins told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he made the decision to cancel the shows after seeing footage of Bankas’ previous performances, in which he made jokes about Good’s death. Collins stated that he did not believe that any amount of security or preplanning could mitigate the liability he would face if something were to happen during the shows. He also expressed concern for the safety of his staff and guests, stating that the risks were too great. The cancellation is expected to cost Collins around $17,000, but he believes it is a necessary decision to prioritize the well-being of those involved.
Ben Bankas’ Response
Bankas has responded to the cancellation with a defiant attitude, sharing footage of himself telling a crowd about the decision and saying "f— ’em" about the comedy club’s choice. The crowd in attendance booed the news, indicating that they were disappointed by the cancellation. Bankas has a reputation for pushing boundaries with his comedy, and it appears that he is not backing down in the face of controversy. His official website lists his upcoming performances, including sold-out shows at Yuk Yuk’s clubs in Ottawa and Toronto.
Background on Ben Bankas
Bankas is a Toronto-born comedian who now lives in Austin. He has a significant following, with his YouTube show, The Tanakas Show, reaching over 10,000 monthly listeners. He has also been featured on prominent news outlets such as InfoWars, Fox News, and the CBC. However, his comedy style has not been without controversy. A previous show of his was canceled in December by the Sault Community Theatre Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, due to his comedy not aligning with the venue’s stated values of respect, inclusion, and cultural diversity.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The cancellation of Ben Bankas’ shows at Laugh Camp Comedy Club is a significant decision that highlights the complexities of comedy and free speech. While Bankas has the right to express himself through his comedy, the club’s owner also has the right to decide what type of content is acceptable in his venue. The controversy surrounding Bankas’ jokes about Renee Good’s death serves as a reminder that comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary, but it can also be hurtful and divisive. As the city of Minneapolis continues to grapple with the aftermath of the deaths of Good and Pretti, it is likely that this controversy will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate.
