Comic at center of uproar in Paris
Promoters have canceled a show in Paris by French comedian Dieudonne amid fears of violent protests after he appeared in a TV sketch dressed as an Orthodox rabbi and gave a Nazi salute.
The Olympia theater said it could not guarantee the safety of the audience at the show, due to take place today, after several incidents marred previous performances. His scheduled appearances in 10 cities were canceled.
The comedian, whose full name is Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala, came under attack from anti-racist groups and Jewish organizations after his live appearance in December on a public TV show.
Dieudonne, who faces trial on charges of making a racist slur, said the sketch was meant as a criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s policies toward Palestinians. He has also denied being anti-Semitic.
The cancellation of the Olympia show coincided with an official visit to France by Israeli President Moshe Katsav and a meeting between Jewish groups and European Union officials in Brussels to discuss the causes of anti-Semitic violence.
From Reuters
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