Controversial video that led to Daniel Fernandes' comedy show cancellation after BJP threat goes viral
Here's why Daniel Fernandes' comedy show was cancelled after a viral clip led to threats from BJP MLA T Raja Singh over a joke on Jain community and goats on Bakra Eid. Explore the rising trend of political and religious objections causing show cancellations in India.
In recent years, the cancellation of comedians' shows in India due to objections from political parties and religious communities has become increasingly common. These cancellations often stem from content deemed offensive or controversial by certain groups, leading to significant backlash and threats. Comedians like Munawar Faruqui, Kunal Kamra, and Agrima Joshua have faced severe opposition, with their shows being abruptly called off due to political pressure or protests from religious communities. The latest one to join the bandwagon is comedian Daniel Fernandes.
Watch the viral clip that led to Daniel Fernandes' comedy show cancellation
Daniel Fernandes has cancelled his show titled Do you Know Who I Am? which was supposed to take place at the Heart Cup Coffee located in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills. He cited safety concerns after a threat was issued to him by Goshamahal BJP MLA T Raja Singh after the former made a joke about the Jain community in his previous show. "Nobody is ready to guarantee the safety of my audience, crew, and myself," he said and added, "We had to reschedule tonight's shows in Hyderabad because of the unrest caused by my last video. The video that has offended people has been taken down, and I posted an apology today. However, we are still receiving calls, messages and emails threatening us with violence and vandalism."
Here's the video of the controversial joke.
??? ?? ????? ????? ??...
¡ª Kartik ???? (@_Muffin_Men) June 29, 2024
Daniel Fernandes ???? ???
Every Jain Should RT This. #DanielFernandespic.twitter.com/gBhoc7dAFc
Threat from BJP MLA T Raja Singh
In a video, BJP MLA From Goshamahal, Hyderabad, T Raja Singh had claimed that if the comedian didn't cancel his show, "our workers will come there and thrash you". As quoted by South First, he said, "On Bakri Eid, a comedian named Daniel Fernandes cracked bad jokes and mocked the Jain community. I want to remind him, you have a show in Banjara Hills today (Saturday) right? It is better you cancel the show or else our workers will come there and thrash you. You will think 50 times before coming to Telangana."
BJP MLA From Goshamahal, Hyderabad ' Tiger Raja Singh ' came in support of the Jain Community.
¡ª Youth Of Jainism Now Active (@Yojna_group) June 29, 2024
He gave a warning to Daniel Fernandes to cancel his show in Hyderabad otherwise Administration & Daniel Fernandes will be responsible if anything happens.?
Thank you sir!¡ pic.twitter.com/HyLf4xb3nu
Daniel Fernandes' apology
Meanwhile, the comedian has issued an apology and said, "The video that has offended people has been taken down and I have posted an apology earlier. However, we are still receiving calls, messages, and emails threatening us with violence and vandalism. Nobody is ready to guarantee the safety of my audience, my crew and myself. I do not want to put anyone in harm¡¯s way because of something I said."
Also Read: Comedian Munawar Faruqui Cancels His Shows In Mumbai After Threats From Bajrang Dal
He apologised to the Jain community and said that it is okay to disagree but not okay to threaten him.
In 2021, Munawar Faruqui, another comedian, was arrested on Jan 1 in Indore for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Hindu deities. The incident had then sparked controversy and debates on freedom of expression.
Also Read: Comedian Agrima Joshua Gets Rape Threats From YouTuber Shubham Mishra Over Chhatrapati Shivaji Joke
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