Comic's apology as he fights to save his career after his death threat to a female Jewish comedian

Dane Baptiste has admitted to a ‘massive error of judgement’ after issuing a chilling death threat to a female Jewish comedian.

The stand-up is battling to save his career after publicly posting a vile message on Instagram threatening to put the ‘Zionist’ in the cemetery.

His post, first reported by Chortle last night, is now being investigated by police and he appears to have been dropped by his agent.

Baptiste has now responded to the backlash his comments attracted, insisting he has ‘no ill intention towards the Jewish community’.

But he also said he was reacting to a ‘perceived threat’ in saying he would turn up at the woman’s doorstep and that no on would keep her safe.

In the new post Baptiste wrote: ‘In the recent past, I have received a number of threatening and abusive messages from accounts accusing me of antisemitism for having pro Palestinian views. I have a new family and my partner made me aware that some of these same people were monitoring her instagram account.

'In a massive error of judgement, I posted an excessive and impulsive response, hoping to dissuade anybody monitoring my family. I made a point to say Zionist and not Jewish, but I appreciate how disturbing, threatening and incendiary that language is, I would categorically state I have no ill intention towards the Jewish community and never have.

‘I have a loving family of which I am massively protective of; I reacted poorly and emotionally to a perceived threat with no considered thought to the consequences, and I apologise profusely for my actions to the Jewish community, my collegaues [sic] and my fans.’

Baptiste’s original post was made on Instagram Stories yesterday, but removed after Chortle asked the comic’s agents, Insanity Group, for a comment.

The agency subsequently dropped Baptiste as a client. A spokesperson said: 'Insanity became aware of a social media post published by Dane on Instagram yesterday. The contents of his post are completely at odds with our values and what we stand for. We promptly made this clear to him, and are no longer working with him.  As an organisation we do not tolerate hate speech of any kind and are committed to the values of respect and tolerance for all.'

Gag Reflex, which handled his live bookings, have also deleted any reference to him from their website and posted on social media: 'Gag Reflex Management do not advocate or tolerate hate speech of any kind towards any groups or individuals. Since the company's inception we have always promoted equality, kindness and empathy within our industry and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.'

In his original post, the 42-year-old told the woman: ‘I want you to sit down with your husband and kids and imagine what their lives will be without you, b/c north London is a quick trip to make and a Think Tank will have to be an actual tank to keep you safe from me. 

‘Ask about and comedians will tell you I will be at your literal doorstep. Your agent won't keep you safe. And I'll sit in prison while your family sit at the cemetery.

‘First and last warning. Your act is dumb but don't be a dumb woman. For your own safety.’

Chortle is aware of his target’s identity, but she declined to comment on the threats made against her.

Baptiste has been condemned by a number of fellow comedians – although some social media users have complained that too many have remained silent.

Lee Kern called it ‘the most chilling, sincere and credible death threat against a Jewish woman’ adding: ‘This has to be dealt with in the most serious manner possible

And Marcus Brigstocke said: ‘The threat made by Dane Baptiste against a woman on IG wasn’t vague & cannot be justified. It was targeted & dangerous. Driven (imo) by antisemitism & misogyny. I refuse to look the other way & stay silent while only Jewish friends speak up. Hatred & racism like this has to end.’

In 2014, Baptiste became the first black Briton to be nominated for best newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards – and the following year made his own BBC sitcom Sunny D. He also piloted the sketch show Bamous for the broadcaster in 2021. His other TV credits include  Live At The Apollo  and Richard Osman's House Of Games.

Published: 2 May 2024