I'm So Sorry.

Summary

In this controversial video, comedian Isaac Butterfield addresses a complaint following his recent show in Newcastle. He defends his use of offensive jokes, acknowledging their provocative nature but arguing that comedy should be unapologetic and challenge societal norms. Isaac reacts to accusations of insensitivity towards disabilities, mental health, and various minority groups, offering sarcastic rebuttals while defending his right to joke about sensitive topics. He criticizes the complainant’s expectations, suggesting that if they were offended, they should have left. Despite the backlash, Isaac stands by his material, emphasizing that his humor is meant to entertain, not offend.

Takeaways

• 😀 Isaac Butterfield, an Australian comedian, expresses regret for his past approach to comedy but refuses to apologize for his jokes, reflecting on his past actions as a controversial figure.
• 😀 The comedian defends his use of dark humor, acknowledging that his jokes have offended some, particularly regarding topics like autism, mental health, and race.
• 😀 Butterfield critiques a complaint received from a couple who attended his show, highlighting their objections to the content and his supposed insensitivity towards various groups.
• 😀 He mocks the complainants for being offended on behalf of others, calling their behavior ‘pathetic’ and suggesting that they shouldn’t attend his shows if they are easily offended.
• 😀 The comedian humorously addresses a complaint about using derogatory terms related to autism, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions, insisting that these were part of his comedic style and not meant to harm.
• 😀 Butterfield defends his choice to joke about historical tragedies, including the Stolen Generations and the Port Arthur Massacre, emphasizing that humor is a way to process painful events, not an endorsement of them.
• 😀 He also addresses criticisms of his jokes about marginalized communities, such as LGBTQIA+ people, suggesting that his humor is meant to be provocative and not an attack on any group.
• 😀 The comedian’s tone is defiant throughout the video, repeatedly mocking the idea of having to apologize for his jokes, which he believes are intended to make people laugh, even if the subject matter is uncomfortable.
• 😀 Butterfield criticizes the complainants for continuing to attend the show despite being offended, suggesting that they should have left if they found the content so upsetting.
• 😀 He ends with a sarcastic remark about people who complain about his comedy, telling them to stay home and watch safer content, while promoting his upcoming special and future shows.

Q & A

What prompted Isaac Butterfield to issue this apology in the video?

Isaac Butterfield apologizes after receiving a complaint about his show in Newcastle, where the audience found his jokes offensive. He reflects on the feedback, expressing regret over the way his humor impacted certain individuals, despite defending his comedic style.

How does Isaac Butterfield react to the complaint about his show?

Isaac initially mocks the complaint, referencing the negative reaction on social media as a marketing opportunity. However, he eventually gets serious and addresses the specific complaints made about his show, offering a mix of humor and self-reflection.

What were the main reasons cited in the complaint about Isaac's show?

The complaint cited offensive jokes regarding mental health, disabilities, suicide, race, and violence, including topics such as the Holocaust, missing children, and indigenous issues. The complainants expressed that these topics were inappropriate for a comedy show.

How does Isaac Butterfield defend his use of controversial jokes?

Isaac defends his humor by emphasizing that comedy is about pushing boundaries and that he does not intend to offend. He argues that the jokes are not meant to be taken literally and that they are a form of expression in his performances, often accompanied by a lighthearted tone.

What is Isaac's perspective on those who were offended by his jokes?

Isaac suggests that those who were offended should not have attended his show in the first place, as he believes his comedy is meant to challenge norms and is not for everyone. He expresses frustration with people who get offended on behalf of others, especially when it comes to sensitive issues.

What is Isaac's opinion on the Civic Theater's response to the complaint?

Isaac praises the Civic Theater for not canceling his performances, despite the complaint. He believes the theater's continued support indicates that they accept diverse comedy, including his controversial style.

How does Isaac Butterfield address the complaint about making jokes about the Holocaust?

Isaac clarifies that he did not make a Holocaust joke as alleged in the complaint. He provides a clip from the show to demonstrate that the joke about a German oven was not about the Holocaust, but rather a comment on European appliances, which was misquoted by the complainant.

What does Isaac think about the reaction to his jokes about Indigenous Australians?

Isaac acknowledges that his jokes about Indigenous Australians and the Stolen Generations may be considered offensive but defends them by stating that they are meant to provoke thought and discussion, not to belittle Aboriginal people.

How does Isaac Butterfield react to the claim that his jokes about mental health were offensive?

Isaac dismisses the complaint about his mental health jokes, including those about suicide, by stating that they were meant as dark humor. He also questions why the complainants attended his show if they were so sensitive to such topics.

Why does Isaac Butterfield believe people still attend his shows despite finding them offensive?

Isaac believes that many people attend his shows because they enjoy controversial comedy, even though they may later claim to be offended. He argues that the discomfort some people feel is part of the nature of comedy, and that people should understand that comedy often involves sensitive topics.