Edinburgh venue admits to discriminating against Jewish comedian

The Banshee Labyrinth, a venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, has admitted to discriminating against Jewish comedian Philip Simon after cancelling his solo show, ‘Shall I Compere Thee In A Funny Way’.

The venue originally pulled the act due to Simon’s social media posts regarding the conflict in Gaza, stating his views aligned with “the rhetoric and symbology of groups associated with humanitarian violations.” Simon contested the decision, alleging he was targeted for his Jewish identity and his calls for peace and the release of hostages.

Following legal action for “unlawful belief-based discrimination,” the venue conceded at an Edinburgh Sheriff Court hearing that it had acted unlawfully under the provisions of the Equalities Act. The concession has resolved the issue of liability in Simon’s favor.