Peter Kay issues statement as he sets record straight amid backlash to kicking hecklers out of comedy gig
Peter Kay has defended his decision to remove three hecklers from his Manchester show, stating he “felt he had no option” as they were “spoiling the show” for others.
In a statement provided to Good Morning Britain this morning, the comedian addressed the incidents that occurred during Saturday’s performance at the AO Arena.
Kay particularly responded to criticism over comparing one female heckler to Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley before having her removed.
“I didn’t realise it was an insult. She did look remarkably like Lisa Riley, I didn’t realise that was an insult,” Kay said in his statement.
The 51-year-old comedian explained his broader reasoning for the removals, stating: “There comes a point when dealing with repeated hecklers simply isn’t enough.
“It’s not something you ever want to do but it becomes a point when it’s no longer fair to everyone around.”
Riley has shown strong support for Kay following the controversy, taking to Instagram to defend the comedian.
“Please draw a line under this now, I am not offended, never was offended. I love Peter Kay to pieces. Laughter is my favourite medicine,” the Emmerdale star wrote in an Instagram Story post on Tuesday morning.
The soap actress further emphasised her stance by sharing an image with the quote “keep calm and laugh”.
She added in the caption: “It’s a laugh, it’s funny.”
Riley’s supportive response comes after Kay faced criticism from some audience members over his handling of the hecklers during Saturday’s performance.
One of the ejected hecklers, Philip Peters, 54, has claimed he was treated “like a terrorist” by security staff for shouting “garlic bread” during the performance.
Peters, who attended with his 26-year-old son, said his initial shout earned a warm reception from Kay, with cameras zooming in on him during the first half.
However, when he repeated the phrase after the interval, both he and his son were forcibly removed from the venue.
“I have massive bruises in my leg. I haven’t been able to walk properly at work today. My arms are all covered in bruises,” Peters told MailOnline.
He claims nine security officers were involved in their removal, with six handling him and three his son.
Peters, whose tickets were a Christmas gift from his 17-year-old daughter, is now demanding an apology from the comedian.
“I have loved Peter Kay forever. I watch him on TikTok all the time and I’ve always wanted to see him live,” he added.
Fellow audience members have offered contrasting accounts of the incidents, with many supporting Kay’s actions.
Jo Llewellyn, who sat near the ejected hecklers, told MailOnline: “The guy he chucked out absolutely deserved it. He was extremely drunk even before the show started and continued to make a nuisance of himself.”
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She noted that the crowd near the hecklers cheered loudly when they were removed.
Another attendee reported that the disruptive individuals had been asked several times to be quiet, as elderly audience members couldn’t hear over their repeated “garlic bread” shouts.
“We all clapped when he got rid of them and Peter in his own manner dealt with it very well,” the witness said.
A third audience member added: “Peter Kay did ask if the people shouting were annoying the rest of the audience first upon which the audience said that the people were.”