The controversial comedian Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown and his agent have spoken out about the ever-pervasive “woke” culture. This time, it was the cancellation of one of Brown’s gigs scheduled in August at The Platform in Morecambe. This ignited the fiery response from the 78-year-old Yorkshire comic. In a Facebook statement, Brown’s camp pointed the finger at what they see as the influence of cancel culture. Brown raged, “Cancellation/Snowflake/Woke culture wins again, I’m afraid!!! We didn’t get an explanation, just a cancellation call.”
It’s not the first time that Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown has faced such cancellations. In fact, it seems to be a common theme in his career, owing to his unapologetically offensive style of comedy. Brown, whose real name is Royston Vasey, has long been known for pushing the boundaries of humour. Much of his act contains ‘blue’ jokes that some consider racist, sexist, and generally offensive. Lancaster City Council’s chief executive succinctly explained their decision, stating, “We are proud to be a fair, diverse and inclusive organisation and do not believe that Mr. Brown’s shows are compatible with these values.”
Chubby Brown’s string of cancellations
The cancellation of Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown’s shows has not been a single event. In the past, venues in Sheffield, Swansea, Cumbria, and Nottingham have decided to pull the plug on his performances due to concerns about the content of his act. One such incident occurred when Sheffield City Trust cancelled his show at the City Hall in January 2022. This resulted in refunding all 300 ticket holders. At the time, over 28,000 protesters signed an online petition demanding a reversal of the decision. The petition has now amassed over 46,000 signatures, a testament to the comedian’s enduring popularity.
Reflecting on these challenges, Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown remarked, “Now in these strange times of snowflakes and political correctness, it has been decided that I am no longer welcome… Why Now! is my question.” It’s a question that resonates with many of his fans, who see these cancellations as a threat to freedom of expression and a restriction on their right to enjoy the comedy they love.
Interestingly, Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown’s hometown has not been immune to the controversy surrounding his performances. The head of Middlesbrough Town Hall resigned in protest after the mayor overturned her decision to ban him. This highlights the divisive nature of the comedian’s act, with fervent supporters clashing with those who find his humour offensive.
Fans of the comedian are not happy
Fans took to social media to vent their feelings. One commenter stated, “What a country we live in where we listen to people who are offended by the contents of a show that they aren’t going to see! The whole world is an absolute joke!”
Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown’s tour manager, Ritchie Hoyle, expressed disappointment at the decision made by Rhyl Pavilion in April. Hoyle remarked, “Unfortunately, gang, I’m sorry to say Roy will not be returning to Rhyl Pavilion.” He added that he would seek another venue in the area to host the show, emphasising that there is still a demand for Brown’s brand of humour.
Therefore, one question lingers – should venues decide what people can and can’t watch? Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown’s manager, Ritchie Hoyle, seems to think not, asserting, “Let the people decide. Would that not be a good vision to have for an entertainment venue?” The ongoing battle between the comedian, his fans, and those who find his comedy offensive reflects the larger debate over the boundaries of free speech and the influence of “woke” culture.