Jimmy Carr criticised over ‘offensive’ dwarf joke

By David Mercer, news reporter

Jimmy Carr has been criticised by a charity for telling an "offensive" joke about dwarfism and abortion during his current stand-up tour.

Little People UK, which was co-founded by actor Warwick Davis, said it was "saddened" by the comedian's remarks and that it had been contacted by "members of the dwarfism community" who had raised concerns.

Carr, who is due to perform in Chesterfield on Friday on his Terribly Funny stand-up tour, is reported to have said: "Is a dwarf an abortion that made it?"

Little People UK told Sky News that it has approached Carr who has been "made aware of the situation" as it called for him to reconsider "using people with dwarfism as the subject of jokes".

"We are saddened that in 2019 we have to deal with such prejudice to the dwarfism community (and other minority groups) in a time where we all strive to live equal lives and celebrate diversity without fear of humiliation or preconception," the charity said.

Advertisement

"Comments such as this are offensive to people with dwarfism and are incredibly detrimental to their well-being.

"People with dwarfism simply want to live their lives just like everyone else; going to school, shopping, walking down the street and going to work, sometimes in highly respected professions.

More from Ents & Arts

"To potentially hear a member of the public repeat such a comment, after seeing a stand up show, can affect them for their entire life."

Little People UK said hearing Carr's joke repeated by members of the public would cause "unnecessary distress and anxiety through no fault of the person with dwarfism, simply because they have a genetic difference".