When you book Paul Mooney to perform live you know he is coming with controversy.
Some local residents recently found that out the hard way after he made some jokes about Boston bombing victims at a show Saturday night.
According to Lohud:
A manager at Levity Live Comedy Club at the Palisadaes Center told The Journal News that several members of the audience walked out after Mooney’s controversial comments. Though the manager wasn’t present during the show, a Twitter user alleged that the comedian said, “white people in Boston deserved what they got and (it was) OK to lose a few limbs … and as long as no blacks got hurt, it was OK.”
“That’s disgusting,” said Murray Sklar, a retired teacher from Nanuet who was walking outside Levity Live Monday afternoon with his wife, Lorraine. Two of their four sons have run in the Boston Marathon in the past, and the couple were very sensitive about Mooney’s comments.
“He deserved to be booed out,” he said.
Mooney, who is black, is known for being outspoken about race and for pushing the envelope.
Mooney’s publicist did not respond to a request for a comment Monday.
Shiryn Soriano of Monsey said she couldn’t understand why Mooney would make such comments.
“Either he’s on drugs or he’s a weirdo,” she said. “He’s insensitive, rude and has no heart. He has no sympathy.”
Debbie Keller, a publicist for the club, released a statement Monday saying Mooney’s behavior was unacceptable and not condoned by Levity Live. Mooney’s show for Sunday evening was canceled and refunds were offered to offended guests, the statement said.
“Although live stand-up comedy can be edgy and sometimes push subjects to the limit, this time the material went too far at the expense of last week’s tragedy,” the statement said. “The management of Levity Live would like to offer its sincere apologies to its patrons and the City of Boston for Mooney’s insensitivity and distasteful material.”
It added: “We hope you realize that this unfortunate situation was beyond the club’s control and would appreciate your understanding.”
Levity Live indicated Mooney would not return soon.
“At this point, this will probably be the last time he will be in the club at this location,” said the manager, who did not identify himself.
Do you think he took it too far with those jokes?
