75 per cent say Jewish comic should not have been axed

Chortle readers believe Edinburgh Fringe venues were wrong to cancel Jewish comedian Philip Simon by a margin of three to one.

Yesterday, we reported in detail the reasons Banshee Labyrinth gave for pulling the stand-up’s solo crowdwork show, saying he was ‘associating with discriminatory groups’. They included social media posts telling pro-Palestinian campaigners not to forget the hostages taken by Hamas and identifying as ‘pro-Israel’.

However the comic said: ‘Anyone who knows me will know I have never expressed support for anything other than freeing the hostages and finding a way for peace. It is sad to think that these views could conflict with anyone who wants to see a lasting peace in Gaza and Israel. 

‘As a Jewish person living in Britain it is possible, and increasingly common, to have a love for Israel without supporting the actions of the government. I am still processing the concept that in 2025 I can be cancelled just for being Jewish.’

More than 2,000 readers have now responded to Chortle’s poll, with 25 per cent saying the venue was right to ban him and 75 per cent voting in the comedian's favour.

They cancelled the run of Simon’s Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way? after nearby venue Whistlebinkies axed his line-up show Jew-o-rama, and Rachel Creeger’s Ultimate Jewish Mother, citing staff safety concerns. 

Banshee Labyrinth told Chortle the ‘the views concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine expressed by the performer are in significant conflict with our venue’s stance against the current Israeli government’s policy and actions.  We feel it is inappropriate for us to provide a platform for performers whose views and actions align with the rhetoric and symbology of groups associated with humanitarian violations.’

Simon – who still has a children’s show at the Fringe – said this weekend: ‘I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from so many inside and outside the comedy industry, and hope that everyone performing in Edinburgh has a productive and safe month.

‘For those who have suggested boycotts of the venues, I would ask fellow comics not to do anything to jeopardise your own shows, just go out there, do your thing and smash it! If you are going to Edinburgh to see shows and enjoy the comedy, please do not boycott these venues, they are hosting some incredible acts who I wouldn’t want to suffer negatively because of this.’

Published: 28 Jul 2025