British comedian Dane Baptiste, a regular on television and creator of two BBC shows, has been criticized for allegedly posting an “anti-Semitic” death threat against a female comedian.
Prominent members of the British comedy community turned against Baptiste after he was accused of publishing a now-deleted Instagram post in which he told an unidentified comedian that he would “sit in prison while your family sits in the graveyard.” . The full post is below.
The British Community Security Trust, a charity that investigates cases of anti-Jewish hatred, was informed of Baptiste’s message, which began: “A short note to the Zionist comedian who follows my side of the family.”
Deadline understands the matter has been reported to police.
Baptiste wrote: “I want you to sit down with your husband and children and imagine what their lives will be like without you. Because North London is a short journey and a think tank has to be a real tank to keep you safe from me. Ask and comedians will tell you that I will literally be on your doorstep. Your agent will not protect you.” He added: “What you did is stupid, but don’t be a stupid woman.”
Deadline does not know the identity of comedian Baptiste, who was allegedly threatening. The post has since been deleted but is making the rounds on X, formerly known as Twitter. Baptiste and his agent at Insanity have been contacted for comment.
Ricky Gervais reposted a post highlighting Baptiste’s “public threat to kill a Jewish woman.”
Well-known British comedian David Baddiel reposted with the line “Jews don’t count,” a reference to his theory that Jewish people are not considered a “real minority.”
Another well-known comedian, Marcus Brigstocke, wrote: “Dane Baptiste’s threat against a woman on IG was not vague and cannot be justified. It was targeted and dangerous. Driven (in my opinion) by anti-Semitism and misogyny. I refuse to look away and remain silent while only Jewish friends speak.”
Baptiste’s Instagram and
Baptiste, 42, was the first black British act to be nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and has since had two BBC shows: a sitcom Sunny D and pilot Bamous. He has made numerous television and radio appearances and hosts a podcast. Dane Baptiste questions everything.
In a Guardian interview last year, he criticized “the failure of most British comedians, despite their keen powers of observation, to recognize racial and class inequality in the UK.”