Luke Mockridge publicly showcases a controversial situation
Following some insensitive jokes about disabled individuals in a podcast, Luke Mockridge encountered significant backlash. Despite issuing an apology, there's been questioning about whether he genuinely regrets his actions. Presently, he's utilizing this controversy as comedic material in his latest show.
Close to three weeks have passed since the controversy arose. Mockridge recently performed his first show in Germany post the scandal. Through songs and jokes, he referenced the incident multiple times during the performance.
At the show's introduction in Munich, Mockridge sang: "I know I slipped up, you had higher expectations from me." He also complained about everyone abandoning him after his controversial stance on 'disability-bashing,' only to gain support from the audience with a triumphant: "But I'm back again!"
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Mockridge participated in the derogatory podcast discussion with fellow hosts Shayan Garcia and Nizar Akremi in August. The episode gained increased attention close to the Paralympics commencement in early September, resulting in severe public criticism. His apology to the athletes didn't save him from having a planned quiz show with Sat.1 removed from their schedule.
His German management ended their collaboration with him, while his Austrian agency terminated the relationship at the conclusion of his tour dates. Mockridge himself canceled the first two stops on his "Funny Times" tour in Bunde and Paderborn in response to the criticism of his jokes. Several concert venues also decided to cancel the planned events on their own accord. The tour finally commenced last week during a show in Vienna that was met with applause and no protests, similar to the reception in Munich.
After the applause in Munich, Mockridge performed in Vienna, saying, "Despite the controversy, I'm still here with my 'Funny Times' show." In his latest performance, he referenced the backlash by joking, "Thank you for having me back after that incident with 'The entertainment,' I wasn't sure I'd ever get another chance."
