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Alleged Rapist Bryan Callen Is Touring, Jen Kirkman Is Understandably Outraged

By Kristy Puchko | Social Media | September 22, 2020 |

By Kristy Puchko | Social Media | September 22, 2020 |


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In further evidence that the power of “cancel culture” is wildly overhyped, alleged rapist Bryan Callen is still touring comedy clubs weeks after four women accused him of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault. The former Goldbergs’ star and Chris D’Elia cohort, who promised fans he would not “lay low,” is currently listed to appear at several clubs in the coming weeks. Fellow stand-up Jen Kirkman is understandably outraged.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel writer Kirkman took to Twitter to call on male comedians to be the allies they claim they are and call out clubs who are booking the alleged rapist.

Back in June, Kirkman offered a lengthy thread with action items that stand-ups could take to help make their shared work environment safer for their female colleagues. She retweeted it yesterday:

One male ally who is doing the work is Gabriel Tigerman, husband of Katherine Fiore Tigerman, who accused Bryan Callen of raping her in 1999.

Looking over the websites for the clubs listed above reveals some interesting details. The Helium Comedy Club chain not only has Callen performing, but is also promoting an appearance from Shane Gillis, who you might remember got booted from Saturday Night Live’s cast for racist remarks. Kansas City Improv has Callen’s show promoted on its main page. Addison Improv has him listed on their calendar for end of October.

Meanwhile Bricktown Comedy Club seems to have scrubbed Callen’s name from their website. A Google search of their name and Bryan Callen turns up this:

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However, if you click the link it takes you to their main page, where Callen is not listed. On the date shown in Google preview, no Callen show is listed. Still, it is unclear if it’s been canceled or if Bricktown is laying low until the Twitter storm blows over.

Kirkman and Tigerman shared their profound disappointment in the men of the comedy world who could use their power to make a positive change for their female peers.

Kirkman explained it’s up to comedians and comedy club patrons to speak up when clubs book alleged abusers.

Some comedians have responded, supporting Kirkman and Tigerman’s cause by adding their own voices.

Meanwhile, comedy fans used Twitter to reach out to these clubs, and some are calling on big names in the industry to lend their support.

Callen has not posted any response to this on Twitter or Instagram. He—it seems—is laying low.

Update: Bricktown Comedy has confirmed they have cancelled Callen’s booking.



Header Image Source: Getty