Kate Forbes accused Graham Linehan's detractors of being unhappy unless he was «destroyed.» Credit: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Kate Forbes denounced the 'really scary' attempt to cancel Graham Linehan at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, arguing that comedians have the right to offend.
The party man, who nearly lost to Humza Yusaf in the SNP leadership, said the furor over creator father Ted's speech over his views on transgender issues was «wonderful.»
Appearing with comedian Matt Ford on Fringe , she accused Linehan's detractors of being pleased unless he was «destroyed» and it was «a very, very scary time for a comedian.»
A devout Christian who faced backlash during competition for leadership of the SNP due to her views on same-sex marriage and abortion, claimed that Linehan was «a comedian who jokes with insults and that should be defended.»
Ms. Forbes also lashed out at environmental protesters like Just Stop Oil, saying they are «repelling the very public whose behavior we need to change» and urging them to stop harassing working people.
«Behavior never changed as a result of preaching,» she said. «I think most people want to do the right thing, but they don't want their lives to fall apart in the process.»
Graham Linehan performed in front of the Scottish Parliament after he was canceled at two Edinburgh Fringe venues. Photo: Ian Rutherford for The Telegraph
She drew parallels between the behavior of Just Stop Oil and the Scottish Green ministers in Mr Yousaf's coalition government, who warned that her Highlands voters «feel they are being preached» about zero net profits.< /p>
While she praised the First Minister's affability, she argued that the reason for Alex Salmond's resurgence in prominence was that the Nationalists were looking for «natural leaders» to lead the new independence movement.
In the Fringe show's joking conclusion, a member of the Free Church Scotland said the Second Coming of Christ and another independence referendum have an equal chance of being held within the next decade, though the former could happen soon as the latter «will require a bit more work.»
Linehan has had a brilliant career, winning numerous awards not only for Father Ted, but also for his other Black Books and The IT Crowd creations.
However, Leith Arches canceled his performance last week, saying it did not support the comedian or his views.
A second, unnamed venue was then found, but also cancelled, which prompted Andy Shaw, co-founder of the Comedy Unleashed troupe, to host the Linehan show last Thursday night in front of the Scottish Parliament.
'Resentment must be called out'
Ms Forbes said: 'I think it's amazing why Graham Linehan had such a hard time. I find all of this fascinating. I think people pick a target and chase it and they won't rest until they're destroyed.
«But I think it's very, very scary to be a comedian right now, because your shows, your art is partially based on insult. And some of them I find quite offensive.”
Addressing Ford, she added: «You cause offense, and offense must be caused, and he is a comedian and, as far as I can see, does not incite violence.»
Ms Forbes was also asked if she was surprised she. Mr. Salmond's reappearance following a sex crimes trial in which he was acquitted of all charges. The former First Minister appeared on two Fringe shows this year.
She said: “I think right now this speaks to a deeper problem, which is perhaps the desire of the independence movement to look for natural leaders that the independence movement will unite.
“I think if you look at some marches and so on and he was the main speaker, I think there is a desire to look for a leader among the independence movement and I think it should be Humza Yusuf.»
Ms Forbes was critical of Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvey, Scottish Greens Ministers. Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
MSP Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch also warned Yousaf that his alliance with the Scottish Greens risked alienating rural Scotland.
When asked if the SNP's popularity was threatened by the behavior of Patrick Harvey and Lorna Slater, the two Greens ministers, Mr. Ms. Forbes said her constituents are wondering why «urban environmentalists» have more influence on rural politics «than the real people who work there.» rub is. I've worked with both of them before, but you really need to take the public with you on any front—anything,” she said.
The public is with you on some of the toughest issues. If you can't take them with you, we won't get there. So it again requires respect, not necessarily the feeling of being preached to.”
Ms Forbes argued that it might not be possible to shut down oil exploration in the North Sea for years to come, adding: “Everyone what you are doing plunges the country into poverty, and this is not good for our people.”
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