It was set up wrong and uninformed, I messed up: Vir Das issues statement on being accused of making ‘transphobic jokes’ in his comedy special

By Tanmayi Savadi

on August 15, 2021 03:24:09 PM

Recently, renowned comedian Vir Das released the fifth episode of his comedy special, Ten On Ten. The episode titled Tribalism & Cancel Culture vs Comedy included puns on pronouns, trans people, rape, cancel culture, privilege and a few other sensitive topics. However, days after the episode was released, Vir was accused of being transphobic and called him out for making transphobic jokes in the episode. Now, Vir has issued a statement and addressed a fan named Amaan.

In his statement, Vir wrote, "I did a joke on the new ten on ten episode that my friends in the Trans community felt hurt by. I see why. My intent in the moment, was to say Trans people have courage the Govt never ever could and it was set up wrong and uninformed. I messed up. It had the opposite effect and trivialised your struggle. Articulating my intent effectively is my responsibility, not yours. I got that joke wrong. Plain and simple. No buts."

He further added, "Sometimes (a lot) people are upset because the joke really worked, sometimes because the joke doesn’t. My audience understands comedy, they can take a joke. So, when they talk to me, I listen. I’d like to be an artist who unabashedly deliberately uncomfortably pushes the line every single day, and never stops acknowledging his audience, always using their voice as his guide. A conversation, where the focus is on them, always."

Thanking Amaan, Vir said, "Amaan, thank you for your message. Know that I see you, I heard you, your struggle. I’m in this conversation, I’ll always listen and you will always inform my comedy."

Vir shared his statement on Instagram and also attached screenshots of his chat with Amaan. In his text to Vir on DM, Amaan said, "Hey Vir. I’ve been a big fan of your comedy and your work (Excluding Mastizade lmao) for a long time now. I’m a queer individual who identifies as non-binary. I see your reaction to the calling out of your mistakes and I feel like someone has to call you in, instead."

Amaan added, "When you feel like you’re being attacked, it’s very easy to get defensive. And reactionary. You of all people know punching up is how comedy works, and yet you chose to punch down, if only as a set up. I hope you understand. – A slightly hurt fan, Amaan."

In response to Amaan's messages, Vir said, "Amaan I hope its alright that I am replying to you. You’re correct about the joke, and I’m so sorry it made you feel hurt. I am going to put a statement out, but waiting till everyone calms down so they know its thought out and genuine. If you know my work, you know the intent is never ever to hurt. Give it a minute and I will definitely respond."