Comedian Margaret Cho took a couple licks during a stand-up performance over the weekend, and now she's issuing an official apology.
Margaret Cho took a couple licks during a stand-up performance over the weekend, and now she's issuing an official apology.
The 47-year-old comedian stirred up controversy during her set at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on Saturday night, when she reportedly opened up about being a rape victim, insulted audience members and heckled some people as they left the club.
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Following the performance, which allegedly caused many audience members to get restless and exit prematurely, Cho took to Twitter, writing, "Actually for once - I wasn't high. 'Twas jetlag! I just think that survivors of abuse should speak their truth and I do!"
On Monday, Cho released a statement to ET regarding the incident.
"I love the Stress Factory [comedy club] and I love comedy," she wrote. "I'm sorry that I wasn't at my best, but maybe in a way, I was. I bring the real me and my truth to my work. It's not perfect, it's not manufactured, it's real."
"Everyone has a bad day at work," she added. "I was also upset because one of my heroes (Garry Shandling) just died. That doesn't excuse my behavior, but it just shows that I am only human."
In the 48 hours since the performance, Cho continued to address survivors of abuse, encouraging them share their experiences.
"Survivors are kept silent by society, protecting predators. Beneath the cloak of family/friends/audience shame, they'll strike again and again," she wrote. "Don't be afraid to talk about what happened to you. Tell all. There is no shame in being a survivor. Shame the abuser. Shame the rapist."
She also tweeted about Shandling, who she referenced in her official statement as one of the reasons she was a little off during her performance, writing, "I still can't get over the fact that Garry Shandling is dead. It's not real to me yet."
On Monday, the Stress Factory also spoke out on the incident via Facebook.
"We booked Margaret for 5 shows and 4 of them went brilliantly," the club's statement read. "Unfortunately the fifth show, the final set of the weekend, did not. This show took a left turn and ended up being a mess. We are truly sorry for that. We will make this up to the people who attended the show in whatever way we can. We love our customers, we love our stage and yes, we still love Margaret Cho."
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING SATURDAY NIGHT, PLEASE READ:Dear Stress Factory Fans:For 25 years The Stress Factory...
Posted by Stress Factory Comedy Club on Monday, March 28, 2016
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Despite the backlash, not everyone was upset with Cho's performance. One fan tweeted at her, saying they hope she comes back to New Brunswick.
"I will be back!" Cho promised.