Overview

• Rachel Creeger and Philip Simon lost bookings at Whistle Binkies and Banshee Labyrinth after venue staff cited fears for their safety and mischaracterized social media posts as extremist symbolism.
• Whistle Binkies later retracted its claim that a vigil for Israeli soldiers occurred during Creeger’s show, acknowledging there was no such event.
• The Fringe Society and PBH Free Fringe say they are actively seeking new performance spaces but have not yet secured alternative venues.
• Israel’s deputy foreign minister and UK politicians publicly condemned the cancellations as discriminatory and urged the venues to reverse their decisions.
• Comedians and festival organisers warn the removals reflect a surge in antisemitic incidents and political vetting of cultural events since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.