Comedian's gig cancelled for making 'horrific' joke about Liverpool parade crash
A comedian has had a gig cancelled after making a 'disgusting' comment about the crash which injured dozens of people following Liverpool FC's Premier League parade, the Liverpool Echo reports.
At least 65 people were injured after a car ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians on Water Street on Monday evening, following the open-top bus parade through the city to celebrate Liverpool's champions.
A 53-year-old white British man from West Derby has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs.
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READ MORE: Why the man arrested in the Liverpool parade crash can't be named
Regarding the incident, Andrew Lawrence posted on X (formerly Twitter) at 2.33pm yesterday to say: "To be fair, if I was in Liverpool, I'd drive through crowds of people to get the f**k out of there as well."
Mr Lawrence's X profile describes him as a "comedian on YouTube." His own website says he is: "One of the most highly regarded, in demand live stand-up comedians in the UK."
His post has been roundly criticised. Responding on X, Garston-born actor Barry Sloane said: "You absolute disgrace."
Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance CIC said: "A comedian really? You're an embarrassment to the profession."
Liverpool FC reporter for The Athletic and former ECHO LFC correspondent James Pearce said: "Horrific. You're a disgrace"
X user HLTCO said: "'Comedian' is doing some outrageously heavy lifting in that bio."
The post has led to a forthcoming gig at a comedy club run by a crazy golf course in Essex to be cancelled. A number of people reportedly contacted the venue to complain about the comment.
Just before 7am today, Caddies Southend said on X: "The event organisers who had hired our Comedy Club for the Andrew Lawrence night, have cancelled the event.
"We do not condone or support the comment that has been made online, and we send everyone impacted by the tragic events in Liverpool our support and prayers."
Mr Lawrence, who was runner up in 2003's So You Think You're Funny competition, then responded claiming the venue had failed to show "courage".
He posted: "This venue lost their courage after being bombarded with abuse and threats of violence from online trolls.
"Understandable, but disappointing. I will reschedule for later in the year at a different venue Southend, sorry for the inconvenience, have a great day."
He restricted replies on the post so that only those he can follow could respond. However, people could still quote the post with a comment.
Colm Brady said: "Disgusting. Violence was not used, read their email response. They do not condone your vile tweets."
Wallasey-based horror writer Ramsey Campbell added: "Oh, I think they had the courage of their convictions."
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