Ben Bankas Loses Six St. Paul Shows After Controversial Joke About Renee Good’s Death

Comedian Ben Bankas’ Shows Canceled After Controversial Joke About Renee Good

St. Paul, Minnesota – Comedian Ben Bankas is facing significant backlash and teh cancellation of six sold-out shows at the Laugh Camp Comedy Club following a joke he made regarding Renee Good, a woman fatally shot during an encounter with law enforcement.The incident has ignited a debate concerning the boundaries of comedy and the impact of perhaps insensitive humor,notably in sensitive situations.

The Viral Joke and Initial Reaction

A widely circulated video, initially posted on Bankas’ Instagram on january 13th, depicted the comedian referencing Good’s death.He reportedly made disparaging remarks, which sparked immediate outrage online.The clip quickly amassed over 8.9 million views before the shows were canceled, demonstrating the rapid reach of social media in modern discourse.

Club’s Decision and Safety Concerns

Laugh Camp Comedy Club Owner Bill Collins announced the cancellation, citing safety concerns as the primary reason. A statement released to People Magazine explained that the club evaluated potential risks, including heightened threats, increased media attention, and potential civil disorder. Collins emphasized that the small venue lacked the resources to adequately mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of patrons, staff, and performers. A similar trend of prioritizing safety over artistic expression has been observed at other venues nationwide, mirroring a growing awareness of potential liabilities.

Comedian’s Response and Future Plans

Bankas responded to the cancellation with a defiant statement, expressing his frustration and directing criticism towards the club and its decision-makers. He announced efforts to secure alternative venues and dates for his Minnesota performances, indicating his intention to continue touring despite the controversy. He shared his plans on his Instagram account, and invited his fans to a new location where he said will continue with his schedule.

Broader Context: Comedy and Controversy

This situation highlights an ongoing tension within the comedy world – the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility. The incident echoes previous controversies involving comedians facing criticism for jokes deemed offensive or insensitive. A 2023 study by the Pew Research center found that 68% of Americans believe comedians should be allowed to make jokes about sensitive topics, but 31% believe there are some subjects which should be off-limits.

Key Event	Date
Joke Posted on Instagram	January 13, 2026
Shows Canceled	February 5, 2026
Club Statement Released	February 5, 2026

The Role of Social Media in Public Discourse

The swiftness with which Bankas’ joke went viral and the subsequent outrage demonstrate the power of social media to shape public opinion and influence real-world consequences, such as the cancellation of events. This trend reflects a broader shift in how information is disseminated and consumed, with social platforms increasingly acting as arbiters of acceptable discourse. this has led to both increased accountability and heightened sensitivity surrounding public statements.

What role should comedians play in addressing sensitive current events? Do you think venues are justified in canceling shows based on the content of a performer’s act?

Share your thoughts in the comments below,and forward this story to start a conversation.

How does the St. paul Comedy Club justify its decision to cancel Ben Bankas’s shows?

Ben Bankas Loses Six St. Paul Shows After Controversial Joke About Renee Good’s Death

The fallout continues for comedian Ben Bankas following a joke made during his January 26th performance at the St. Paul Comedy Club referencing the tragic death of renee Good, a local activist and community leader. The joke, widely condemned as insensitive and deeply hurtful, has resulted in the cancellation of six upcoming shows at the same venue.

The Incident and initial Reaction

Bankas’s set included a brief, reportedly poorly-received joke about Good’s passing, which occurred in December 2025 after being struck by a vehicle while protesting for tenant rights.Details of the joke remain largely circulated through social media accounts of attendees,as no official recording exists. However, descriptions consistently portray it as minimizing the circumstances of her death and lacking empathy.

immediately following the performance, a wave of criticism erupted online. social media platforms, particularly X (formerly twitter) and Facebook, were flooded wiht posts expressing outrage and calling for a boycott of Bankas’s future performances. The hashtag #JusticeForReneeGood quickly gained traction, becoming a central point for organizing public response.

St. Paul Comedy Club’s Response & Show Cancellations

The St. Paul Comedy club initially released a statement acknowledging the concerns and stating they were “reviewing the situation.” Within 48 hours, the club announced the cancellation of Bankas’s six scheduled shows in February and March.

“We understand the pain and anger caused by the recent joke made during Mr. Bankas’s performance,” the statement read. “Renee Good was a vital part of our community, and her loss is deeply felt. We do not condone humor that disrespects victims of tragedy or their families. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for both performers and audiences.”

This decision sparked further debate. Some argued the cancellations constituted censorship and a violation of Bankas’s artistic freedom. Others maintained that the club had a duty to protect the memory of Good and the feelings of the community. The debate highlights the increasingly complex landscape of comedy and the boundaries of acceptable humor, particularly in the wake of tragedy.

Renee Good: A Legacy of Activism

Renee Good, 32, was a prominent figure in the Twin Cities’ social justice movement. She dedicated her life to advocating for affordable housing, tenant rights, and racial equity. Good was a leading organizer with the Twin Cities Housing Justice Coalition and was known for her passionate and effective advocacy.

* Tenant Rights Advocacy: Good spearheaded several campaigns aimed at preventing evictions and improving living conditions for renters.

* Community Organizing: She was instrumental in building coalitions between various community groups to address systemic inequalities.

* Direct Action: Good frequently participated in protests and demonstrations, often putting herself on the front lines to advocate for her beliefs.

Her death has been mourned by activists and community members across Minnesota, and her work continues to inspire ongoing efforts for social change.A memorial fund has been established in her name to support the causes she championed.

The Broader Conversation: Comedy, Tragedy, and accountability

The Bankas incident is not isolated. It’s part of a larger, ongoing conversation about the role of comedy in addressing sensitive topics like death, trauma, and social injustice. Comedians have long pushed boundaries,but the line between edgy humor and harmful insensitivity is becoming increasingly scrutinized.

Several factors contribute to this shift:

1. Social Media Amplification: Social media provides a platform for immediate and widespread reaction to controversial content, accelerating the speed at which outrage can spread.
2. Increased Awareness of Trauma: Growing awareness of the impact of trauma has lead to greater sensitivity towards jokes that trivialize or exploit suffering.
3. Demand for Accountability: There’s a growing expectation that public figures, including comedians, will be held accountable for their words and actions.

This case raises questions about the responsibilities of comedy venues,the limits of free speech,and the impact of humor on grieving communities. It also underscores the importance of considering the potential harm caused by jokes, even those intended to be satirical or provocative.

Impact on Ben Bankas’s Career

Beyond the cancelled shows,Bankas has faced significant backlash impacting his broader career