Belfast comedian Paul Currie finds himself embroiled in controversy, alleging he’s been barred from performing at Glastonbury 2024. Currie claims pressure from the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA) led to his exclusion. He took to social media to express his disappointment, citing his advocacy for Palestine as the reason behind the alleged ban.
“Banned” From Glastonbury
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After performing for 13 years at Glastonbury, Paul Currie was allegedly “banned” from performing again for the festival this year. He claims it is because the CAA or the Campaign Against Antisemitism pressured the head honchos of the festival.
Oops, so what I should have said is I thought I *was* playing Glastonbury… but sadly I am not allowed to be there. Unfortunately and heartbreakingly the festival have decided to cancel me this year, after 13 wonderful years bringing joy and silliness to the thousands of families and revellers who came to join in my silly shows over the years on the riser stages.
Nonetheless. Currie says he will continue to defend his reputation and speak out about his stance on Palestine. He claims that the CAA is as he says, a “Zionist Pressure Group”.
However, representatives of the upcoming Glastonbury festival say that Paul Currie was never actually booked to perform for this year’s festival.
CAA Statements
In response, the CAA condemned Currie’s alleged behaviour, accusing him of hounding Jewish audience members out of his show at Soho Theatre. They assert that such actions have no place in British society and commend Glastonbury’s decision to uphold inclusivity. In a statement according to Belfast Telegraph, the CAA say that,
Paul Currie allegedly hounded Jewish members of the audience out of his show. The organisers of Glastonbury will be well aware of this appalling incident and the profound effect that his alleged actions have had on the Jewish attendees of his show. Mr Currie has shown no remorse, and has even encouraged his supporters to attack the Soho Theatre, which has apologised and is working with us to remedy the issue.
They then continue to say that the they hope that the Glastonbury festival would affirm their commitment to welcome everyone, regardless of what their background is.
The Incident
Back in February, Currie was allegedly accused of antisemitism by “hounding” a Jewish audience member for not “standing up for Palestine”. Who say that they were afraid that it would get violent after several other audience members apparently joined in chants to “force” the audience member to get out.
You could read more about the entire incident and how it started right HERE! and if you’re looking for an update and Paul Currie’s calls for witnesses after the event right HERE.
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