Arj Barker Explains Why He Asked a Mother and Baby to Leave His Melbourne Comedy Festival Show

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"Arj Barker Explains Why He Asked a Mother and Baby to Leave His Melbourne Comedy Festival Show"

The Comedian Arj Barker has recently faced criticism following an incident at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. During one of his shows at the Athenaeum Theatre, a mother breastfeeding her baby was asked to leave, leading to feelings of humiliation and discomfort for her.

Barker defended his actions, pointing out that the show had been advertised as "strictly age 15+" and that the presence of the seven-month-old was disrupting the performance. He explained, "On behalf of the other 700 people there who had paid to see the gig, I politely told her the baby couldn't stay." However, the situation became awkward when the mother initially thought he was joking.

Recognizing The impact of the incident, Barker expressed regret and offered the woman a refund as she left the show. While he acknowledged the discomfort caused to her and her family, he maintained that adhering to the show's policy could have prevented the situation from arising.

The mother, speaking to 3AW, shared her side of the story. She described her baby's noise as minimal, akin to someone coughing, and felt embarrassed and intimidated by being asked to leave. Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the support of around a dozen people who left the show in solidarity with her.

Reflecting on her experience, the mother recalled attending a comedy set by Dave Hughes with her baby previously, where he handled the situation with professionalism. She lamented the challenge of reclaiming pre-parenthood enjoyments while navigating the responsibilities of motherhood.

In response to the incident, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival issued a statement, clarifying that while they were aware of the situation, they were not responsible for the management of the event. They emphasized the importance of sensitivity and respect in interactions between performers and audiences. Additionally, they outlined their policy of generally allowing babies in arms in their venues but advising patrons to sit at the back for a quick exit if necessary, to minimize disruption to other attendees.

Overall, the incident highlights the delicate balance between accommodating diverse audience needs while ensuring the smooth running of live performances. It serves as a reminder for performers and venues alike to handle such situations with empathy and understanding.