Comedian Arj Barker asked a breastfeeding mother and her baby to leave his comedy show at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne, sparking controversy online. Barker explained that the baby was talking during his show, and when it happened again, he made the decision to ask the mother to leave to ensure the 700 other audience members could enjoy the show uninterrupted. He offered her a refund as a gesture of goodwill, and emphasized that the show was intended for audiences 15+.
In an interview with “A Current Affair,” the mother, Trish Faranda, said she felt humiliated after being asked to leave the show. She had brought her 7-month-old daughter, Clara, to the comedy festival, with a plan to leave if she became disruptive. Faranda described the baby’s noises as not louder than a cough and felt like Barker was trying to get the audience’s support to ask her to leave. Barker clarified that his decision was not based on breastfeeding, as he supports public breastfeeding as natural.
Barker did not apologize to Faranda for asking her to leave, but expressed regret at any upset it may have caused. He mentioned in his statement that his decision was made solely with consideration for the other audience members who had paid to see the show. Despite the controversy, Barker stands by his decision to ask the mother and baby to leave, maintaining that it was a tough call but necessary for the overall experience of the audience.
Faranda said she had attended the comedy show as a break from her usual routine and had always enjoyed comedy shows before having children. She felt embarrassed by the situation and emphasized that she had planned to leave if her baby became disruptive. After the incident, she left the show feeling humiliated and upset by how she was treated, but appreciated that Barker offered a refund as a gesture of goodwill.
The incident has sparked debate online, with some supporting Barker’s decision to ask the mother and baby to leave, while others believe it was unjust and humiliating. The debate has brought attention to the topic of children at comedy shows and the balance between accommodating parents and ensuring a pleasant experience for other audience members. Both Barker and Faranda have shared their perspectives on the incident, with Barker emphasizing his intentions to provide an enjoyable experience for the majority of the audience.
Despite the controversy, Barker has not backed down from his decision to ask the mother and baby to leave his show. He reiterated his support for public breastfeeding and said he did not have any ill intentions in asking the mother to leave. The incident has sparked conversation about children at comedy shows, highlighting the challenges of balancing the needs of parents with the expectations of other audience members. Barker’s statement and Faranda’s interview have shed light on the differing perspectives surrounding the incident and the impact it had on both parties involved.
