Comedian Peter Kay has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent Manchester gig, where he evicted multiple hecklers and was accused of making a weight-related joke about Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley.
The incident took place at the AO Arena. It divided opinions among fans, with some supporting the comedian’s stance against disruptive audience members and others branding his actions “nasty and bitter”.
Peter Kay defends evictions: “There comes a point when it’s no longer fair”
In a statement, Peter defended his decision to remove disruptive audience members.
“There comes a point when dealing with repeated hecklers simply isn’t enough,” he said. “It’s not something you ever want to do, but it becomes a point when it’s no longer fair to everyone around.”
One of the hecklers, Philip Peters, said he was forcibly removed from the arena after he shouted Kay’s famous catchphrase “Garlic Bread” multiple times.
While Peter initially acknowledged the joke, he later appeared to lose patience, ordering security to remove Philip and his son. Philip has since spoken out, claiming he was manhandled by security staff and left bruised after being dragged out like “ragged dolls”.
He also alleged that the comedian mocked him as he was being removed.
‘Jibe’ at Lisa Riley
After Philip’s removal, a female audience member shouted: “We love you, Peter!”
Peter responded by ordering her removal as well, but not before allegedly comparing her to Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley.
Please draw a line under this now, I am not offended, never was offended.
Audience members claimed that Peter deliberately made the comparison based on her weight.
However, Peter defended himself in a statement. “I didn’t realise it was an insult,” he said. “She did look remarkably like Lisa Riley, I didn’t realise that was an insult.”
‘If I was skinny he wouldn’t have said it’
The woman who the joke was aimed at has also spoken out. Myar Curran, 25, told MailOnline that she was left in tears over the remark from the comic.
“People have said it wasn’t anything to do with my weight – but if I was skinny he wouldn’t have said it. I’ve got nothing whatsoever against Lisa Riley, I think she looks amazing.
“But I know he was targeting me because of my weight. I hope he feels a bit ashamed now. I really wasn’t doing anything wrong. Peter wouldn’t have said something like that in his prime, he’d have had a laugh about it.
“Maybe he was having a bad night. But he shouldn’t have taken it out on me. I do think I’m entitled to an apology from Peter Kay – to be shouted at like that for no reason was really gutting. I was just showing my love,” she said.
ED! has contacted Peter’s reps for comment.
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Lisa Riley reacts to Peter Kay’s remark
On Tuesday (February 11), Lisa also spoke out. The actress defended the comedian and urged people to “draw a line under it”.
Posting on Instagram, Lisa wrote: “Please draw a line under this now, I am not offended, never was offended. I love Peter Kay to pieces. Laughter is my favourite medicine.”
She also shared a “Keep Calm and Laugh” quote, adding: “It’s a laugh, it’s funny!”
Read more: Emmerdale star Lisa Riley teases huge character return amid Dales death scenes
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