May 14, 2012
Anti-Semitic comic canceled in Montreal
MONTREAL (UPI) -- Four shows by French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala in Montreal have been canceled after Jewish groups protested his reputation for anti-Semitic statements.
M'bala was scheduled to perform at the Corona Theatre starting Monday, but the theater sent out a release Friday saying the shows were canceled "due to contractual conflicts."
Entertainment promoter Evenko, who booked the gigs, promised to be more sensitive about the acts it books in the future, CBC reported Friday.
"The company has put into place a protocol to ensure greater scrutiny of the people requesting the use of their venues," said Luciano Del Negro, a representative from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs who wrote to Evenko protesting the appearances.
M'dala's show, Rendez-nous Jesus, or Give us back Jesus, was criticized in France for Holocaust denial and praise for Adolf Hitler. Many established event planners refuse to book the show, so M'bala has had to work in smaller venues in France, CBC said.
