'We have a blind spot' organiser admits

An American festival has been forced to change its line-up after being criticised for having no black women on the bill.

The Laughing Skull event invited 60 comics to perform in Atlanta, Georgia, in May, selected after bookers watched videos of their stand-up – but not a single black woman was among them.

And in a town where – according to the latest census – 54 per cent of the population is black.

African-American stand-ups were quick to take to social media to criticise the lack of representation 

 Janelle James said: ‘Did any black women apply to Laughing Skull this year? I’m guessing no? Not one? In Atlanta? Outta 60? None? Ok.’

And Clark Jones demanded of the comics who were booked: ‘All 60 of you need to TAKE A STAND and demand some representation for Black women in this festival or I’m personally booing all of your fake woke/sjw [social justice warrior] posts in person and on social media!’

Initially the festival said that of 1,000 comics who applied only ten were black women, adding that they invited acts entirely on the score of a diverse judging panel, and would not positively discriminate. ‘We will not be responding to any further negativity,’ said organisers.

However, after facing continuing pressure organisers did a U-turn at the weekend.

Founder Marshall Chiles issued a statement saying:  ‘After taking part in several very meaningful conversations, and carefully listening to the concerns that have been raised, we realise that we have a significant blind spot when it comes to addressing inclusivity, and we fully understand that this is an issue that needs our immediate attention.’

Acknowledging that the situation has been ‘uncomfortable and embarrassing’ for the festival, he said that he was  going to invite four black women to perform at the event.

He said that those acts ‘scored in the top 15 per cent, so we know they will bring some great comedy to the audience and industry.’

And he said the festival was taking further steps such as an outreach program, diversifying their administrative positions, and holding an open town-hall-style meeting to face critics.

The festival won plaudits for the change from the industry, with Maria Bamford tweeting ‘Nice work, laughing skull! Change! Yay, team comedy’.

However, that might not be the end of it. Comic Bryan Yang points out that there were no male Asian comics in the line-up either…

Published: 11 Mar 2019