Comedian stirs debate after kicking breastfeeding mom out of show

Arj Barker, a stand-up comedian and actor known for his comedy specials and appearances on shows like Flight of the Conchords, found himself at the center of controversy following an incident dubbed “BabyGate” during his performance at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in Australia.

Addressing the incident on Instagram, Arj sought to “clear the air” surrounding accusations that he had a breastfeeding mother removed from his show.

Reports from Australian breakfast radio show, 3AW Melbourne, surfaced, detailing how Arj “sensationally kicked out a mother and her baby” at the Athenaeum Theatre, leading to audience members walking out in solidarity.

According to an audience member who was present during the hotly debated incident, Arj allegedly: “Stopped the show and said, ‘Can you take this baby outside?’, and the crowd wasn’t sure whether he was serious.”

They added: “It was unbelievably awkward.”

The situation eventually gained traction online after a woman named Danielle (who says she is related to the breastfeeding mother) took to X to recount a disturbing version of events. “Arj Barker demanded my seven-month-old cousin — who relies on her mum for milk (life), my mother, and my Aunty’s friend (also a mum) to leave his show, claiming the he/she was ‘ruining his train of thought’” Danielle wrote.

She continued: “Thanks to the countless women, and one grandfather, who left in protest. Atrocious. You’re in the city of Melbourne, at an International Comedy Festival. Have an ounce of respect.”

Danielle then complained that Arj had “badgered” the mom of the seven-month-old baby, and had told her group to leave and “get a refund.”

“With all of the hatred and violence women are faced with, among the countless atrocities happening within the world today, I ask you to simply take a long, hard look at yourself,” she concluded.

@arjbarker demanded my 7 month old cousin — who relies on her mum for milk (life), my mother, and my Aunty’s friend (also a mum) to leave his show, claiming the he/she was ‘ruining his train of thought’

— DJA (@dja2808) April 20, 2024

However, Arj offered his perspective, taking to Instagram to explain that his decision was based on keeping the experience as positive as possible for the majority of the audience.

The 49-year-old California native began by writing: “I had just started my show last Sat night in Melbourne. The Atheneum was pretty full and everyone seemed in a great mood. Then I heard a baby – not crying but ‘talking’ as they do – a few rows from the stage.”

He continued: “I made a few jokes about the baby not disrupting my show, and they were well received, then moved on. A few minutes later the baby called out again. Now I was quite concerned. In my experience of doing comedy for nearly 35 years, an audience focus is a delicate thing. 

“If a noise or movement distracts people mid-joke, the payoff can be greatly diminished,” Arj explained.

In his statement, Arj clarified that the decision was not about breastfeeding but rather about the audio disruption caused by the baby’s presence. He reiterated that he is supportive of public breastfeeding, highlighting that he holds no animosity toward babies, especially as he “was one once”.

Despite some audience members leaving in response to his decision, Arj asserted that the majority remained and the show was well-received. He also said that he had offered the woman a refund as a gesture of goodwill.

Arj’s statement elicited mixed reactions online. Some defended his decision, arguing that comedy shows are not suitable for babies, while others questioned where to draw the line when it comes to natural human noises during performances.

Overall, the incident sparked a debate about the appropriateness of bringing infants to comedy shows and the balance between accommodating all audience members and preserving the quality of the performance.

What are your thoughts on the incident? Was Arj Barker right to kick the mom out or did he go too far? Let us know in the comments!