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Comedian Bobby Slayton Called Rochester, NY “Comedy Hell” in Texts to Jeffrey Epstein
Rochester, New York, earned a stinging rebuke from comedian bobby Slayton, who reportedly called the city “comedy hell” in messages with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to recently released court documents from the Epstein case.
A Comedic Wasteland? Slayton’s Disdain for rochester
Newly revealed messages shed light on Slayton’s interactions with Epstein and his less-than-favorable opinion of a New York city’s comedy scene.
- Comedian Bobby Slayton referred to Rochester, New York, as “comedy hell” in text messages to Jeffrey Epstein in September 2014.
- Slayton and Epstein frequently corresponded, discussing Slayton’s career and plans to meet with other comedians.
- Despite his criticism, Slayton has previously expressed fondness for certain Rochester establishments, including a local radio host, a restaurant, and a grocery store.
- The messages are part of a larger release of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Slayton, a veteran stand-up known for his acerbic wit, expressed his frustration with performing in Rochester in a September 2014 text message to Epstein. “Wish I was in NYC having dinner w/ you & Woody,” he wrote, adding, “in rochester in the depths of Comedy Hell. Send Woodman my best.” The “Woody” he refers to is filmmaker Woody Allen.
What makes a city a “comedy hell”? Slayton didn’t elaborate on the specific reasons for his dissatisfaction, leaving the exact nature of Rochester’s comedic shortcomings a mystery.
Though, Slayton’s relationship with Rochester appears more nuanced than his blunt text suggests. According to a 2018 City Newspaper article, Slayton has publicly praised Rochester’s WXXI radio host, Evan Dawson, as well as a local Italian restaurant, and a Wegmans grocery store.
The messages between Slayton and Epstein, released as part of a larger trove of documents related to the Epstein case, reveal a frequent correspondence. They discussed Slayton’s career,potential gigs,and plans to meet with other comedians. In one exchange, Slayton mentioned a planned performance for Epstein and “an eclectic group of friends.” Though the performance didn’t happen, Slayton met Epstein six months later in Florida and they developed a friendship, occasionally staying at Epstein’s apartment. Slayton recalled seeing “a few beautiful women walking around, but older, not teenagers.”
“Jeffrey loved to be entertained by comics,” Slayton added. “All Jeffrey would do is ask me the same questions over and over and over about standup comedy.”
Slayton, 70, has a lengthy career in comedy and acting, with credits including “The Adam Corolla Show,” “Bandits,” “Ed Wood,” “Get Shorty,” “Family Guy,” “The Tonight Show,” “Comic Relief,” “Politically Incorrect,” and the 1998 film “The Rat Pack.” He released a Showtime stand-up special, “Born to be bobby,” in 2010.
Slayton isn’t the only comedian to express a less-than-keen view of Upstate New York. New “Saturday Night Live” cast member kam Patterson recently criticized the region during an appearance on the “Kill Tony” podcast, bluntly stating, “F— Rochester, NY. F— Rochester, a garbage place.” Host Tony Hinchcliffe echoed the sentiment, adding, “It is incredible for anyone to stay there after being born and raised there.”
Epstein was accused of sexually abusing young girls and died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial
