Robert Pickton

Comedy Show Cancelled Due to Controversial Pickton T-Shirt Sparks Outrage

Outrage over a comedy group selling Robert Pickton T-shirts leads to show cancellation and death threats against performers.

A comedy show in New Westminster, B.C., was recently cancelled after a group called Danger Cats faced severe criticism for selling T-shirts depicting Robert Pickton, a convicted murderer. The shirts showed Pickton grinning and holding a slice of bacon, sparking outrage due to his connection to multiple murders of women, especially Indigenous and survival sex workers. The cancellation came after public opposition and even death threats directed towards the performers and venues.

The First Nations Leadership Council expressed disgust at the insensitivity of the comedy group, highlighting Pickton's dark history of being convicted of six murders in 2007 and his involvement in at least 49 cases, many of which involved Indigenous women. This controversy also led to the launch of an online petition calling for the cancellation of the Danger Cats BC show, emphasizing the need to address the inappropriate humor surrounding such a sensitive and tragic case.

Despite the cancellation of the show, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of public opinion and the boundaries of humor when dealing with serious and sensitive subjects. It also sheds light on the ongoing issues surrounding the portrayal and trivialization of crimes against marginalized communities in popular culture.

In a surprising turn of events, the controversy surrounding the Pickton T-shirts led to a cancellation of the Danger Cats event at the House of Comedy in New Westminster, showcasing the impact of community backlash on entertainment events. This incident underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in comedy, especially when dealing with topics as serious and troubling as the Pickton case.