Controversial Cancellation of Jewish Comedians in Edinburgh Unveiled
In the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jewish comedians Rachel Creeger and Philip Simon encountered multiple controversies when their shows were cancelled by venues, citing "safety concerns" linked to security worries and their pro-Israel social media posts.
Creeger's show, Ultimate Jewish Mother, and Simon's Jew-O-Rama were pulled from the Whistlebinkies venue shortly before the festival began. Staff at the venue expressed feeling "unsafe" due to increased security arrangements. The incidents sparked widespread concern about antisemitism and the treatment of Jewish performers amid rising safety and political sensitivities at the festival.
Separately, Philip Simon was barred from performing at the Banshee Labyrinth pub due to his attendance at a vigil for victims of the 2023 Hamas attacks on October 7 and alleged "rhetoric and symbology" related to Israel. The venue cited concerns over the political nature of his views and a "duty of care" to staff, stating it was inappropriate to provide a platform for performers whose views they linked to humanitarian violations. Simon denied expressing any political opinions beyond calling for peace and hostage releases.
Additional tensions arose as promotional materials for Creeger's shows were defaced, with the word "Jewish" being ripped off posters, and graffiti appeared at the venues, which management connected to the presence of the Jewish performers. However, the comedians denied any involvement.
Organisers of the Fringe have attempted to find alternative venues, but the incidents have sparked debate about the treatment of Jewish performers and the presence of antisemitism in the festival.
Meanwhile, in a separate article, James Woudhuysen wrote about the shock, awe, and terror of Hiroshima, published on the 6th of August, 2025.
[1] The Scotsman, "Edinburgh Fringe: Jewish comedians face cancellation over 'safety concerns'" [2] The Guardian, "Edinburgh Fringe: Performer Philip Simon barred from Banshee Labyrinth over Israel links" [3] The Times, "Whistlebinkies cancels Jewish comedian's show over safety fears" [4] The Jewish Chronicle, "Edinburgh Fringe: Jewish comedian's show cancelled due to 'antisemitic graffiti'" [5] The Jewish News, "Edinburgh Fringe: Jewish comedian's show cancelled due to 'antisemitic graffiti'"
- The cancellation of Rachel Creeger's show, Ultimate Jewish Mother, and Philip Simon's Jew-O-Rama at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, sparked a debate about cancel culture in the arts, particularly with regards to politics, culture, and free speech.
- The treatment of Jewish comedians at the festival, including safety concerns, barring from venues, and defaced promotional materials, has raised concerns about antisemitism in the broader pop-culture and entertainment landscape.
- The “safety concerns” cited by venues for cancelling Jewish comedians' shows have been questioned, with some arguing that it is a pretense for censorship, particularly due to the performers' pro-Israel posts on social media.
- The incidents at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, along with the barring of Philip Simon from performing at the Banshee Labyrinth due to his attendance at an October 7th vigil and alleged political views, have brought into focus the complexities of balancing entertainment, politics, and cultural sensitivities on social media.
