Warrant out as he fails to appear in court

A warrant has been issued for Reginald D Hunter to attend court over a private prosecution brought by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.

The group is accusing the comedian of three offences under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, which makes it illegal to post anything that is ‘grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character’.

It relates to messages that Hunter allegedly sent to a pro-Israel X user in August and September 2024.

The first hearing took place yesterday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, but the comedian failed to appear. A warrant has now been issued for him to attend court on a future date.

Prosecutor Donal Lawler suggested that his legal team may be able to serve Hunter his court summons in person at one of his gigs.

Stephen Silverman, director of investigations and enforcement at Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: ‘This is one of a number of private prosecutions that we are bringing, and there will be more to say on the case in due course.’

Hunter was at the centre of an antisemitism storm at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe after clashing with antisemitism campaigners Mark Lewis and Mandy Blumenthal, who heckled an anti-Israel joke.

The gig is said to have tuned ugly with the audience hounding out the couple, with  Hunter later saying he ‘regretted’ what happened at the ‘unfortunate incident’, but stopping short of an apology.

Chortle has contacted his agent for comment on the new case.

Published: 31 May 2025