I mean, to answer my own question I proposed in my title and really keep this post to the barest minimum, yes, I do think comedy can go too far, depending on the subject matter at hand. But, I do think we can delve into the topic a little further, so stick around yet, if you don’t mind.
A few nights ago, I came across an Instagram Reel, posted by a woman named Olivia, detailing her recent experience while attending a comedy stand-up show. The comedian in question that Olivia went to see is Ashley Gavin, and Olivia states in her Reel that she is a tremendous fan of Ashley and actually purchased VIP tickets for herself and a friend to see her show.
Olivia explains that she and her friend had front-row seats at Ashley’s show, and Ashley made it clear to audience members that she wanted them to chime in in response to her jokes. So, Olivia did just that, and Ashley’s reaction is one that has landed her in some serious hot water.
Apparently, despite telling her fans she wanted to be heckled, Ashley did not respond to said heckling in the manner she suggested. Rather, when Olivia responded to a joke she made, Ashley went off the rails and told Olivia to “go unalive herself.” Olivia is transparent in her video and shares that mental illness is something she has always struggled with. Ashley then began screaming at Olivia, saying over and over again to “go unalive herself,” at which point Olivia and her friend left the show.
I was not familiar with Ashley Gavin prior to seeing Olivia’s Reel, but I don’t think I’ll be checking out her material anytime soon after hearing about this incident. Ashley has been made aware of the situation, to my knowledge, and she did post an apology video, but personally, I don’t buy it.
I’m all about pushing boundaries, but this one goes too far, in my opinion.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
ontheedgeofeverything 