Bruno Schmitz defends controversial appearance by Luke Mockridge in Weeze

Bruno Schmitz defends controversial appearance by Luke Mockridge in Weeze

Weeze. In a controversial decision, the organizer Bruno Schmitz enabled the appearance of comedians Luke Mockridge in Weeze despite public outrage and numerous canceled events. Mockridge is criticized due to unfortunate statements about disabled sports and has thus triggered a massive shit storm.

In August, the comedian, who is known for his sharp humor, made comments that were perceived as disrespectful towards Paralympics athletes. This led to a wave of indignation, which was mainly spread through social media. Paralympics' parents, athletes and fans vehemently commented and demanded consequences for Mockridge.

The organizer takes a position

Bruno Schmitz, head of the Niederrhein Cultural Office, emphasized that he was initially shocked by the statements. "What Luke Mockridge said is an absolute no-go. I condemn it really," he said in an interview. Nevertheless, he decided to have the appearance on October 10th in Weeze after he had thoroughly weighed his position. Schmitz confirmed that he had a clear attitude towards disrespectful jokes over marginalized groups and did not accept them.

The decision to take the evening explains Schmitz by the fact that he wants to promote a dialogue. He knows the responsibility of the organizer and plans to confront Mockridge in order to give him the opportunity to apologize or at least explain his perspective. "There could also be a dialogue with the audience. But that's the only way to make Luke Mockridge," he said.

Schmitz also faces the challenge of how to deal with Mockridge on the Internet. "A culture of bashing has emerged that I criticize very. His statements are controversial, but I think it is exaggerated," said Schmitz.

controversial discussions

The public discussion about Mockridge raises questions whether artists should be held accountable for their statements and jokes. Schmitz said: "He is not a terrorist, not a imperial citizen, no right -wing radical, and yet I experience on the Internet that people deal with him like this." This shows how complex the discussion about humor and the limits of what can be said.

he underlined that the dissonance between artistic freedom and social responsibility must be discussed intensively. "As clear as I joke about marginalized groups that have a hard time, judge, so clearly I say: it is not a danger to this state. And that's why the event takes place tomorrow. Because these are two different things for me!"

Schmitz’s decision to take the appearance anyway could be interpreted as an attempt to create a platform for an exchange, to make vulnerable groups heard and to give Mockridge the opportunity to reflect on his statements. October 10 will not only the evening of Mockridge, but also a test for the willingness to talk and the different views of interpersonal topics in society.

It remains to be seen how the audience will react to Mockridge and the views of Bruno Schmitz, especially in view of the heated debate that surrounds his appearance. Further developments and backgrounds on this topic are at www.nrz.de to read.