2024-09-09 05:33:30
Luke Mockridge caused a stir with statements in a podcast. On Saturday evening, the comedian himself spoke out.
Luke Mockridge has responded to criticism of his controversial statements about the Paralympics in the podcast “Die Deutschen”. In an Instagram post, the comedian wrote: “Of course, it was never my intention to ridicule people with disabilities – especially during these great Paralympic Games.”
He developed the jokes together with a Paralympic athlete and comedian. “The response – especially from people with disabilities – was enormous and consistently positive,” claimed Mockridge, but added: “Yes, that is subjective, and yes, that is not clear in the short trailer clip. It is also clear that jokes that have to be explained are not technically good.” Mockridge also posted a part of his program in which he also talks about people with disabilities in sport.
The 35-year-old said in the podcast, among other things: “There are people without legs and arms who are thrown into a pool – and whoever is the last to drown wins.” He also said: “That’s pretty crazy. The first person to call another country and say: ‘Hey, you know the Olympic Games. I have a similar idea. You have disabled people in your country too, right? Should we see who is faster?'”
Olympic track cycling champion Kristina Vogel, who has been paralyzed since an accident, reacted indignantly to Mockridge’s joke. “Attention and forewarning for the question of why people talk themselves hoarse because there are still people who say such inhumane shit and just put down disabled people! Here’s just one example… it’s unbelievable!” she wrote in her Instagram story.
Özcan Mutlu, president of the Berlin Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association, demanded an apology from Mockridge. “An unprecedented slip-up. This cannot be dismissed as comedy or mere stupidity,” Mutlu told the German Press Agency, “such derogatory statements are absolutely unacceptable and deserve strong condemnation. Mockridge should be deeply ashamed and apologize immediately.”
The German Disabled Sports Association invited the 35-year-old to watch para-sports together. Mockridge now says: “I am very happy to accept the invitation from the German Disabled Sports Association and am looking forward to the change of perspective and to actively learning.”
He then concluded his statement with the words: “Comedy and sport should be fun – always! Today that didn’t work out, and that’s on me!”