An American comic who mocked Canada and its role in Afghanistan on Fox News was given the hook by an Edmonton comedy club, even though he never actually appeared on stage.
Doug Benson was slated to appear at the Comic Strip in West Edmonton Mall April 2 to 5, according to his MySpace page.
“For the safety and security of the Comic Strip’s patrons and staff, Doug Benson’s shows have subsequently been cancelled,” read a release from the Comic Strip.
During the Red Eye broadcast aired early Friday morning, Benson and other guests took shots at Canada’s military over suggestions it should take a one-year break after leaving Afghanistan.
“I didn’t even know they (Canada) were in the war, I thought that’s where you go if you don’t want to fight,” said Benson, on the same day that four Canadian soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
The host of the show, Greg Gutfeld, later apologized after a request from Ottawa.
“This is a lame attempt at satirical humour — these are people who are ignorant,” said Edmonton MP Laurie Hawn.
