The owners of the Stardome Comedy Club are citing safety concerns as the reason for cancelling a comedy show originally set for Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Actor Michael Rapaport was scheduled to already be in Birmingham filming and wanted to do a show on his off day, according to Stardome.
Rapaport, who has been a vocal advocate for Israel throughout the conflict in Gaza and hostages still being held there, said it was not his decision to cancel the show.
“It was shut down because of protests and threats over my support for Israel and for speaking up about the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza. 670 days in captivity,” Rapaport wrote on Facebook.
Stardome owner Bruce Ayers said the show was booked to just be a comedy show, not to be a political statement.
“We have a long history of hosting a wide variety of entertainers, and our intention was only to give fans a chance to enjoy a night of live comedy,” Ayers said, adding that Stardome received over 100 messages urging cancellation with protests planned at the venue.
“Out of concern for the safety and experience of guests, staff, and the performer, the club decided — in agreement with Michael’s management team — to cancel the event,” Stardome said in a statement.
Ayers said the cancellation was to silence anyone, rather to avoid a potentially volatile situation and keeping things safe and peaceful for everyone involved.”
