Jackie denies axing Palestinian comic

Jewish comic Jackie Mason has denied that refused to share a stage with a Palestinian comedian - contradicting what his manager earlier claimed.

In a press conference to dampen the growing row, Mason said he had nothing to do with cancelling Ray Hanania from supporting him at a Chicago comedy club.

He did admit he was 'furious' that Hanania had been promoting the appearance by playing up the different backgrounds.

But he said: "It makes no difference to me if he was a Jew or a Palestinian. They don't involve me in these types of decisions. I sit in my room and write jokes, that's all I do."

"I have nothing but love in my heart for Palestinians."

Mason's comments contradict what his manager Jyll Rosenfeld said less than 24 hours earlier.

Then she told reporters: "It's not exactly like he's just an Arab-American. This guy's a Palestinian.

"Jackie does not feel comfortable having a Palestinian open for him. Right now it's a very sensitive thing, it's just not a good idea.

"Nothing personal against this fellow, Jackie doesn't even know him."

Ali Alarabi, president of the United Arab American League said: "I'm outraged. It is an act of hate and racism against Palestinians, and we demand an apology."

But Rosenfeld said: "Don't turn this into a racist issue, because it's not, we just felt this is not a good idea at this time."

Hanania, a 49-year-old Vietnam War veteran and former journalist (right), has only been performing stand-up for around a year, and the appearance at Zanie's comedy club would have been an important gig.

"I'm upset because I deserve to be on stage and it was a big break for me," he said.

Mason is an outspoken supporter of Israel, and has received accolades from the Israeli government.

Published: 29 Aug 2002