A minor controversy has erupted around US stand-up (and 30 Rock star) Tracy Morgan's act at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting that his act "caused outrage" among audience members who apparently had no idea what they bought a ticket to see. Supposedly, an "outpouring of anger" hit social media after roughly 50 audience members walked out of the show and took to Twitter to complain about his "extreme misogyny and lack of humour" and warn others off from seeing the show.
An audience member named Sue told 3AW radio: "It was all sexually related. He said he was a pervert and this is the sort of stuff he liked and then it went on from there. It was like a horrible experience. He went everywhere, he discussed disabled people having sex, what his experiences were, everything he discussed was just disgusting."
Women's rights campaigner Melinda Tankard Reist told the Telegraph her action group, Collective Shout, would campaign against Morgan's remaining shows. "We have government-funded campaigns to stop violence against women and yet this behaviour continues in mainstream popular culture. What message is he sending to other men?"
I've never seen Morgan live, but speaking as someone with access to Google, I don't see how any of this could come as a surprise.
Of course, most of those who bought tickets to Morgan's show probably did so because of 30 Rock, but you'd be hard pressed to say these descriptions of his act don't jibe with the over-the-top caricature of himself he plays on that show.
Other comedians came to Morgan's defence. Well, 'defence' isn't the right word, but they seem to agree that it's a bit rich for audiences to be surprised by Morgan's schtick.
People walked out of Tracy Morgan's show because it was sexist, that's like walking out of a musical because there's too much singing #MICF
— Tommy Little (@Tommy_little) April 15, 2013
Anyone complaining about Tracy Morgan maybe should have Youtubed his act before paying $70.
— Josh Earl (@MrJoshEarl) April 14, 2013
@heraldsunarts Hi Sally I just read your article saying I was defending Tracy Morgan, I wasn't at all, I think what he was saying was (cont)
— Josh Earl (@MrJoshEarl) April 15, 2013
@heraldsunarts not funny at all. But a simple Youtube or google search lets you know that that is what his stand up is like.
— Josh Earl (@MrJoshEarl) April 15, 2013
As it happens, Morgan's Oz tour is almost over, but you still have an opportunity to be offended at Perth's Regal Theatre on Monday April 15 and Tuesday April 16.
