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.
![Dusty Limits at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2016. Copyright: John-Paul Bichard](https://21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/JPB2705-684x1024.jpg)
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.