'Baby Making Noise, Nothing Against Them': Comedian Asks Mother With Infant To Leave Show, Stirs Debate
A standup comedian caused a stir in Australia when he abruptly asked a mother and her baby to leave his show, citing the reason as the "baby making noise." The mother who simply wanted to enjoy a night out and reclaim a bit of herself, expressed, "you kind of lose yourself a bit when you have kids."?This incident sparked a debate, with many expressing sympathy for the mother.
Why a standup comedian asked an audience member to leave his show
The comedian from California, known for his performances worldwide, was entertaining a large audience at the Athenaeum Theater on April 20th when he was interrupted by the sounds of a baby.?
Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), he said, "On behalf of the other 700 people there who had paid to see the gig, I politely told her the baby couldn’t stay."?
He clarified that he couldn't discern if the mother was breastfeeding due to the bright stage lights and emphasised that his decision was solely based on the disturbance caused by the baby's noise.
"I have nothing against babies – number one, the breastfeeding thing is a non-issue, it should be inadmissible, and I had no idea if she was breastfeeding or not because I was on a lit stage."
He adds, "All I could see was a woman likely holding a baby – the breastfeeding was never part of it. If it were the father, I would have acted the exact same way – it had to do with the baby making noise. It was purely an audio issue, it had nothing to do with her being a mom – I have nothing against moms."
Sparks debate on right of women to participate in society while breastfeeding
Faranda explained to various local media outlets that she initially thought Barker's request for her and her baby to leave was a joke.
She told Seven News that she didn't want to ruin anyone’s night and it wasn’t her intention to create a scene. All she wanted to do was have a fun night out.
Australian politician Ellen Sandell said she was "livid" when she heard about the incident.
"It's hard enough for new mums to participate in society with all the barriers put in front of them – to be humiliated like this, for just trying to enjoy the comedy festival, is awful," she said on X.
"A note to men who don't get it: when a baby’s breastfeeding you literally have to be attached to them most of time & can’t be separated for more than an hour or so," she added. "So if you don’t allow [breastfed] babies in public places, you’re actually saying women/mums aren’t allowed in those places."
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