Outrage over US drag comic

Campaigners forced Los Angeles’s Factory Nighclub to cancel a gig by Charles Knipp, saying his character Shirley Q Liquor denigrates black people.

They say he promotes negative images of black women as being illiterate, shoplifting, promiscuous mothers who live on benefits which they spend on drink and drugs.

Protest organiser Jasmyne Cannick said: ‘I am glad that the Factory management has come to its senses and cancelled what was clearly a racist show.

‘While Shirley Q. Liquor may be popular in the South, this is Los Angeles and African-Americans here were not going to take this lying down.

‘The misrepresentation of our community has gone on for far too long and it's acts like Knipp's that promote negative stereotypes of blacks and considering our recent issues with race relations, this is the last thing that we needed.’

After a previous show in Boston was cancelled in the face of simlar outrage, Knipp said: ‘I understand that the protesters thought that I might be going to do some sort of horrible offensive racist minstrel show. I just wish they’d seen it first and made up their own minds.

‘People who have actually seen my show seem relieved and joyous that black and white people are both laughing at my outlandish character and insight. If my silly drag show brings white and black folks together to discuss their differences, their changing social identities and self perceptions, then I think that’s a wonderful thing.

‘As a comedian, I’m a firm believer that comedy is a way to heal past injustices, prejudice and hate.’

Here is Shirley Q in action:

Published: 25 Jan 2007