Comedy Club Cancels Shows After Comedian’s Jokes About ICE Shooting Spark Outrage
A Minnesota comedy club abruptly canceled six sold-out performances by comedian Ben Bankas following a wave of public backlash to a viral clip of his stand-up routine. The routine contained jokes mocking Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis mother of three who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this month.
Laugh Camp Comedy Club in St. Paul made the decision to pull Bankas’ scheduled January 30–February 1 shows after the clip ignited widespread condemnation. The controversy centers on Bankas’ remarks about Good, who was killed during an encounter with federal immigration authorities.
Bankas responded defiantly to the cancellations, reportedly telling a recent audience, “I just found out that my shows were canceled in Minnesota,” which prompted boos. He then added, “F–k ’em,” seemingly referring to the venue. He later posted on Instagram that he was “working on a new venue and dates for the fine people of Minnesota.”
The initial uproar stemmed from a video Bankas posted on January 13, filmed during a show in Poughkeepsie, New York, shortly after Good’s death. The clip, which had amassed over 8.9 million views as of February 3, features Bankas saying, “Her last name was Good. That’s what I said after they shot her,” and making disparaging remarks about Good’s wife, referring to her as a “dog.” He also used a derogatory slur to describe Good.
Good was shot and killed on January 7 after authorities stated she swerved her vehicle toward an ICE officer. Her death triggered protests in Minneapolis and beyond, intensifying scrutiny of the use of force by federal agents. Tensions were further heightened by the shooting death of another Minneapolis resident, Alex Pretti, by federal agents on January 24. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other local officials have publicly criticized ICE’s actions.
As the clip circulated online, residents of St. Paul began organizing protests outside the planned shows, according to reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune. This development ultimately led Laugh Camp Comedy Club to cancel the performances.
In a statement to PEOPLE, club owner Bill Collins explained the decision was made after careful consideration of escalating risks. “After discussions with, and concern from, public authorities, legal counsel and staff, combined with heightened threats, increasing media attention and civil disorder, we have determined the risks and related liabilities cannot be overcome,” Collins stated. “A small club like ours does not have the needed resources to mitigate current risks. We are obligated to place the highest priority on the safety of our guests, staff and talent, and we are left with no option but to cancel.”
The cancellations are expected to cost Collins approximately $17,000. Furthermore, he revealed that Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represents Bankas, is demanding full compensation for the canceled shows, asserting that the comedian was prepared to perform. According to Collins, CAA has also reportedly blocked its other clients from booking performances at the club until the dispute is resolved.
Bankas, originally from Toronto, currently resides in Austin, Texas. He also hosts “The Tanakas Show” on YouTube, which reportedly reaches over 10,000 monthly listeners.
The incident underscores the growing sensitivity surrounding comedy that touches on tragic events and the potential consequences for performers who cross the line.
