Reuben Kaye is forced to cancel Sydney Comedy Festival show after X-rated Jesus joke on The Project
Queer comedian Reuben Kaye has been forced to cancel his Friday night show after critics threatened to protest outside.
Kaye made an X-rated joke about Jesus more than two months ago during an appearance on The Project, sparking protests from Christians.
The comedian was scheduled to perform at the Sydney Comedy Festival at the Enmore Threatre on Friday night.
However, he postponed the show for three months because he was concerned about the safety of his audience.
“So we’ve postponed the show to a later date this year when it’s easier for us to do this for you,” the comedian said.
“But don’t worry, we’ll be back and I’ll see you at the next gig.”
He said the protesters could endanger the safety of himself, his bandmates, his audience, other performing comedians and nearby businesses.
Queer comedian Reuben Kaye (pictured on The Project) has been forced to cancel his upcoming show in Sydney after anti-gay protesters threatened to protest at the venue
In February, Kaye stunned the panel of the Channel 10 show after making a controversial and sexually charged joke about Jesus live on air.
He had told the panel about the hatred he receives from the Christian community for dressing in cross-dressing and for his sexuality.
“I love Jesus, I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more,” Kaye joked.
His line left Waleed Aly speechless, but Sarah Harris and the rest of the cast laughed along with the controversial joke.
However, the prank sparked a furious reaction online, with many saying it went too far.
It even sparked protests outside Channel 10’s headquarters in Pyrmont.
“What a disgusting joke about Jesus, and the project team just giggled and said nothing. So offended by your inaction,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another said, “Basically a dirty joke about Jesus. I’m all for being who you want to be, but that’s going too far.”
A third said, ‘Interesting to see Waleed’s reaction to that joke! He knew it was inappropriate! Project is so desperate these days!”
However, others told the comedian that the joke was hilarious.
Kaye (pictured on stage in Scotland) announced earlier this year that he would be performing at comedy festivals across the country, where he planned to ‘poke the bear’
Someone wrote, “I can’t believe Rueben Kaye just said that on national primetime television. What an icon!’
“I almost p****** myself” and “That was gold, the best The Project in months!”
Kaye is known for his crude humor which he combines with singing and all round showmanship in his comedy shows.
The comedian had announced that he would embark on a national tour with a series of jokes on sensitive topics such as sexuality and racism.
“I want to poke the bear,” he said at the time.
“I’m so spread across this country I might as well be systemic racism.”
However, in March, men from a Christian group took to the streets of Newtown, in Sydney’s inner west, to protest his performance in The Project.
Later that month, up to 600 protesters gathered outside Channel 10’s headquarters in Pyrmont to pray for the network and the comedian for the X-rated prank.
Kaye, who was scheduled to perform as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival at the Enmore Theater on Friday night, apologized to fans after announcing his show had been postponed
Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris had to apologize instead of the prank being broadcast live
On Friday, Kaye thanked the people who sent him their love and support.
“It means the world, and I just want to send love to anyone, queer or not, who’s feeling a lot of pressure right now,” he said in an Instagram video.
“Don’t stop, you are loved and you are being held. We will remake this world so that we are safe.’
Kaye will perform at the Perth Comedy Festival on May 5 and 6 before taking the stage in Brisbane at the end of the month.
The comedian’s show at Sydney’s Enmore Theater has been postponed to July 1.