Entertainment
Comedian Sparks Debate Over Ejecting Breastfeeding Mom from Show
Clear Facts
- Comedian Arj Barker asked a breastfeeding mother and her baby to exit his Melbourne show due to the baby’s noise, sparking a debate on social media.
- Barker defended his decision, explaining that the baby’s sounds were disrupting the show and that his request was made to ensure other audience members could enjoy the show uninterrupted.
- The mother, Trish Faranda, expressed humiliation over the incident, claiming the comedian was intimidating and stood right in front of her.
Stand-up comic, Arj Barker, has found himself under scrutiny after asking a breastfeeding mother and her infant to leave his show in Melbourne last Saturday. The incident occurred at the Athenaeum Theatre during Barker’s performance when he noticed the child making noise.
Barker’s decision instigated a fervent online debate about the appropriateness of his actions. One displeased fan commented on his Instagram, “Forever lost a fan in me.”
Another user noted, “He’s missing the point again. It’s not about asking the baby to leave. You actively let the room scream at a woman very aggressively to get the fuck out.” However, some came out in support of the comedian’s actions.
One user defended Barker by pointing out the age limit for the show, “Age limit = 15+ Conversation ends there.” Another questioned the mother’s decision to bring the infant to the show, “Who brings a tiny baby to a comedy show….seriously.”
In response to the controversy, Barker explained his actions through a statement on his Instagram. He said, “I then calmly informed the woman holding the baby that the baby couldn’t stay. I felt bad doing so and stated this at the time as well as several times throughout the remainder of the show. As she was leaving, I offered for her to get a refund, as a gesture of good will.”
Barker emphasized that he made the difficult decision on behalf of other attendees who deserved to enjoy the show without disruptions. He stated, “I want to be clear that this was a very tough call which I made on behalf of the other 700 or so audience members who deserved to see the show they had paid for, uninterrupted.”
The mother involved, Trish Faranda, shared her feelings of humiliation during an interview. She said, “I felt humiliated. He was intimidating and he was standing right in front of me.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ruth Peit
April 26, 2024 at 9:31 am
I think that Mum was way out of line
ePia
April 26, 2024 at 10:51 am
The mother should have excused herself and gone to a place where the “noise” wouldn’t annoy others. If someone were snapping chewing gum next to me I would likewise be annoyed. If a baby cries in church, a responsible, considerate mom retreats to an area that won’t disrupt others.
larry W
April 26, 2024 at 10:54 am
The mother was disrespectful to the rest of the audience, no if ands or butts., never mind disrespectful to the comedian. The mother was extremely selfish and self centered.
HUNTER "CRACKS" A JOKE
April 26, 2024 at 11:33 am
COME ON, MAN! It’s Australia!!
rick
April 26, 2024 at 1:09 pm
There is a time and a place for everything. This was neither the time or the place for feeding a baby.
Just Browsing
April 26, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Pausing his routine and focusing the audience on her would have been an effective solution.
David Wayyne Deel
April 26, 2024 at 2:29 pm
This just proves my idea. What every theatre NEEDS is a some what
sound proof room with a changing table, and the room needs to be large
enough to have about four to five comfortable chairs facing a large view
screen with sound so the mother can tend to her child in peace.
Now, on the situation at hand. I wasn’t there to hear the enter-
tainer’s comment to the nursing mother. On the other hand Iam sure
that mother was doing every thing she could to get control of this sit-
uation. I know how difficult that can be control that kind of situation.
I’m a four time parent myself, also being a former entertainer myself, I
I can easily see both sides this coin.