SFist visited Comedy Death Ray last night, part of the SF Sketchfest (of which TSOYA is a sponsor). The review is positive about the show as a whole, but vehemently negative about David Cross, the show’s headliner.
The piece’s author, Emily Cox, writes in the review: “Sadly, SFist was really disappointed (appalled might be the better word) by David Cross’s routine. In addition to getting the smallest laughs from the crowd, it was the most blatant public display of bigotry we’ve witnessed in person.”
Cross responded in the comments, writing in part:
“Emily, you can’t simply reduce everything I said, and it’s obvious (to most, at least) intent to merely being a vitriolic, bigoted soap-box lecture wherein I just say, “This is what Mormons believe, aren’t they fucking idiots?”. That is being either purposefully dishonest or at the very least, lazy and irresponsible. In addition, your numerous references to how poorly I was received seem put in there to bolster your position. This just wasn’t the case. Again, the set and entire evening were taped. I have the proof on tape. You have your clearly biased memory of events, which do not match reality.”
DRAMA!
Cross’ comedy can sometimes tilt towards polemic, but Cox’s language was really quite strong. Of course, as an anonymous commenter pointed out, DC didn’t exactly deflate those allegations of bigotry by finishing up with, “Having said all that, I do think it’s astoundingly stupid and lazy to believe in Mormonism given it and it’s founder’s history.”
Cross is clearly a man with strong opinions, and his passionate audience gives him no disincentive to share them. He’s also one of our most gifted comics, and has been very good to The Sound in the past. Tough to know what to make of this situation.