Skankfest Venue Says Safety Concerns Stopped Them From Blocking Louis C.K.’s Use of Their Stage
Brooklyn Bazaar, the three year home of Skankfest NYC released a statement regarding Louis C.K.’s appearance on their stage over the weekend. The venue implied that they would have stopped the comedian from performing in their space had they had advance notice that he would be appearing. Their statement also indicates that once they did become aware that Louis C.K. was planning to perform, they felt that interfering would put their staff in danger, “because of the large crowd.”
The venue spokesperson apologized to their staff members, and to the music department, and announced plans to vet future events more closely, indicating that his performance at the event made it an unsafe space for their employees.
The space had been rented by Skankfest, which is billed as three days of mayhem, and known for controversial events, which the mainstream (and the venue) seemed content to ignore. But after word leaked that C.K. not only performed but was overwhelmingly warmly received, social media and regular media erupted critical not only of C.K. but also of a venue that would have him, and comedians who would perform alongside him.
Here is Brooklyn Bazaar’s statement in full.
We would like to state that this was a surprise appearance and that the venue had no prior knowledge that his performance would occur. By the time he was brought through the side entrance by promoters and put on stage, it was too late for our staff to stop it. Management felt stopping it may put our staff in danger because of the large crowd. This event was a rental of the space by outside promoters. Our Music Programming department and their affiliates had no hand in managing the booking of this event. It was done directly with the Special Events department and not through them. We would first like to apologize to our community and staff for what occurred, and we would also like to apologize to the Music Department because they have put a lot of effort into making Brooklyn Bazaar a safe space with diverse programming. We will make sure to be more clear when discussing our guidelines and policies with outside events and to vet these events more thoroughly in general in the future.
Skankfest organizers were unavailable for comment on the statement.
HOLY SHIT!!! pic.twitter.com/NReH1dSxCk
— pedro on fire (@PedroEnFuego) June 22, 2019
