Venue Admits Unlawful Discrimination Against Jewish Comic

A venue has conceded it unlawfully discriminated against a Jewish comedian, Philip Simon, by cancelling his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show. The decision came after the venue, Banshee Labyrinth, reviewed Simon's social media posts regarding the Israel-Gaza war. The venue's owner, Morrison Bro's Ltd, initially defended the case but admitted unlawful discrimination contrary to the Equalities Act on August 5, 2026, just before a court hearing.

Simon, who stated he was cancelled "just for being Jewish," had posted remarks on X in January 2025 about the conflict. The venue claimed his views aligned with "groups associated with humanitarian violations." Following the concession, the issue of liability has been resolved in Simon's favour, with a judge noting the venue acted "unreasonably" in delaying its admission. Legal costs associated with preparing for the substantive hearing are to be awarded at a higher rate.