Edinburgh Fringe venue admits discrimination against Jewish comedian Philip Simon
Last year, the Banshee Labyrinth at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe faced backlash for canceling Philip Simon's solo performance, citing his opinions on the Israel-Gaza conflict as discriminatory against Jewish individuals. After examining Simon's social media, the venue concluded that his views were linked to "groups associated with humanitarian violations." Simon contended that his Jewish identity was the reason for the cancellation and subsequently took legal action. On Monday, his attorney, David Welsh, announced that the venue acknowledged its unlawful actions under the Equalities Act 2010. Sheriff Roderick Flinn determined that the venue's delay in granting admission until August 5 was "unreasonable" and awarded costs at the elevated "solicitor-client" rate.
Key facts
- The Banshee Labyrinth admitted discrimination against Philip Simon under the Equalities Act 2010.
- Simon's show was cancelled at short notice after social media checks.
- The venue cited Simon's views on the Israel-Gaza conflict as the reason.
- Simon claimed he was cancelled 'just for being Jewish'.
- The concession was made in a joint minute, resolving liability.
- Sheriff Roderick Flinn found the venue acted 'unreasonably' in delaying the admission.
- Expenses were awarded at the higher 'solicitor-client' rate.
- The venue is located on Niddry Street in Edinburgh's Old Town.
Entities
Artists
- Philip Simon
Institutions
- Banshee Labyrinth
- Morrison Bro's Ltd
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- Chortle
Locations
- Edinburgh
- Scotland
- United Kingdom
- London