Nikki Glaser apologizes for controversial joke about transgender influencer

Comedian Nikki Glaser has issued an apology to transgender influencer Briel Adams-Wheatley following a controversial joke made during a stand-up performance in Ridgefield, Washington.

Adams-Wheatley, who was born without limbs, learned of the jokes through a fan who attended the show. The jokes reportedly referenced her physical disability and her gender transition. After Adams-Wheatley addressed the matter on Instagram, Glaser responded by calling the joke ‘dumb’ and expressing regret for not reaching out to Adams-Wheatley before including her in the routine.

Glaser stated that she ‘HATE[s] anti trans jokes of all kinds’ and described the idea of contributing to such rhetoric as ‘disgusting.’ She maintained that her intent was not to cause harm, though she acknowledged the impact of the performance.