The following statement is from emcee Dusty Limits regarding a ‘rape joke’ made at the Thursday night after party at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2016. For more information on the incident, read our full report here.
I’m making this statement to address the ‘joke’ I made on Thursday night at BHOF, a remark of which I am deeply ashamed. On that night I failed not only as a compere, but much more importantly as a person who tries to practise sound politics.
I have a bleak sense of humour and a lot of my jokes touch on subjects that some people find unpalatable, and if I honestly thought my remark on Thursday was legitimate comedy, even of the provocative kind, I’d defend it. But it wasn’t and I can’t.
It was a crass and insensitive outburst fuelled by fatigue and frustration. Sometimes in moments of on-stage panic I blurt out inappropriate comments. Usually I just make myself look silly. This was something much worse, and I apologise unreservedly for it. Not a minute has passed since then that I haven’t wished I could turn back the clock. Rape should never be the subject of glib attempts at humour.
I can only stress that it was an aberration, and very much out of character, as people who know me will attest. I will continue to work with organisations that create safe spaces, especially for at-risk young people, as I have done now for years.
I apologise also to BHOF, and to Sublime Boudoir, for this whole ugly incident. I hope people can forgive me, and I understand if some cannot, but my apology is sincere.
Dusty Limits
For more information on the incident, read our full report here.