Southampton protesters at Jimmy Carr Mayflower gig over Holocaust joke

The city's branch of Stand Up To Racism rallied outside the Mayflower Theatre on Sunday February 20.

Carr has been widely condemned for his remarks by groups such as Hope Not Hate, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Traveller Movement.

In his 'joke', he suggested that the death of Travellers in the Holocaust was "a positive".

Southampton SUTR Secretary, Steve Squibbs, said: "The fact that Carr feels that the murder of up to half a million European Roma by the Nazis is an appropriate subject of humour, and the laughter that followed his remarks, highlights the way in which racism towards Gypsies, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people is still seen as acceptable by significant numbers of people.

"GRT people experience more racism and prejudice in society than any other minority group. Remarks such as the ones made by Carr only serve to normalise and perpetuate discrimination."

On Tuesday, Southampton SUTR issued an open letter to the management of the Mayflower Theatre, calling on them to acknowledge that Carr crossed a line with his remarks.

They pointed out that he refused to apologise, and wanted the venue to consider whether it was consistent with the organisation's stated commitment to diversity and inclusion to host the comedian.

In response, the Mayflower Theatre said they do not condone Carr's comments, but cited contractual obligations as a reason for allowing the show to go ahead.

"It is now down to local anti-racists to demonstrate the opposition that exists to Carr's disgraceful remarks and highlight the very real, ongoing racism experienced by Gypsies, Roma and Traveller people," said Mr Squibbs.

"We want to send a very clear message to Jimmy Carr that genocide is no laughing matter."