Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris deeply apologize to The Project after backlash for laughing along with comedian’s X-rated joke about Jesus
- The project’s hosts apologize for the X-rated joke about Jesus
- Joke made by queer comedian Reuben Kaye on Tuesday
- Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris apologize for ‘serious insult’
Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris have apologized for a crude joke about Jesus on last night’s episode of The Project.
Strange comedian Reuben Kaye caused a stir Tuesday with his X-rated gag, which had members of the panel laughing.
“I love Jesus, I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more,” Kaye said.
Aly, who reacted awkwardly to the prank, spoke somberly on camera with Harris on Wednesday.
“During an interview last night, our guest told a joke that we know deeply and needlessly offended many of you,” said Aly.
Kaye said during his very first appearance on The Project that this was his time to announce himself in Australia as he is about to perform at multiple comedy festivals across the country before poking fun at issues like sexuality and racism.
“We want to acknowledge the particular affront that has caused our Muslim viewers, but especially our Christian viewers.
“Of course I understand how deep that transgression was.”
Harris, who burst out laughing after the joke, also joined in the fawning apology.
“Live TV is unpredictable and when this happened in the last few moments of last night’s show it took us all by surprise, there wasn’t much time to react in a considered way,” she said.
Aly insisted it surprised the programme’s producers and panel.
“It’s fair to say we didn’t expect a comment like this to be made,” he said.
“Normally we wouldn’t broadcast a comment like that. We recognize the offense it caused and more than that, we’re sorry.”
The prank received major backlash online.
“What a disgusting joke about Jesus, and the project team just giggled and said nothing. So offended by your inaction,” one person wrote.
Another said, “Basically a dirty joke about Jesus. I’m all for being who you want to be, but that’s going too far.”
A third said, ‘Interesting to see Waleed’s reaction to that joke! He knew it was inappropriate! Project is so desperate these days!”
But others found the X-rated gag hilarious.
Strange comedian and Reuben Kaye have left the panel of The Project stunned after an X-rated joke about Jesus on air, while Waleed Aly was left completely speechless
The panel was dumbfounded after the joke about Jesus being nailed to a cross, while Sarah Harris couldn’t help but laugh
One person said, “I can’t believe Rueben Kaye just said that on national primetime television. What an icon!’
Others said, “I almost p****** myself” and “That was gold, the best The Project in months!”
Kaye is known for his crude humor which he combines with singing and all round showmanship in his comedy shows.
He embarked on a national tour with a series of jokes on sensitive topics such as sexuality and racism.
“I want to poke the bear,” he said.
“I’m so spread across this country I might as well be systemic racism.”
