Says Jo Brand

She says the majority of male comedians are instinctively sexist, citing Jimmy Carr as an example.

In an interview with The Guardian, she said: ‘With most male comics it’s an inbuilt thing that’s as natural as breathing. There is a bit of a new wave of misogyny going on in comedy. Jimmy Carr, Jeremy Clarkson; all those sort of people.

“You ask yourself, “Do they really mean it or are they just saying it for shock value?” But if they say those things and they are out in the public then you have to accept them at face value.’

When asked if the majority of male stand-ups were sexist she said ‘Yes, but I don’t think that means you can’t be friendly with them or get on with them. I just have to distance myself from that side of their personality. The vast majority of men are like it; that doesn't make them bad people.’

And of the relative lack of female comedians, she said: ‘Women have less self-confidence, and also audiences have less faith in women.

‘I'’ve stood in comedy clubs and heard women in the audience say things like, “There’s a woman on next, shall we go to the bar?” I want to say, “Sisters! Be of good faith. This is a funny one.”’

Published: 10 Apr 2009