Australian comedian Dave Hughes has subtly weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Arj Barker’s controversial decision to ask a mother and her baby to leave a Melbourne Comedy Festival show. Hughes, known for his sharp wit and observational humor, announced a special comedy event specifically designed for “mums and bubs.”
Taking to social media, Hughes shared a post on the Hughesy, Ed and Erin Instagram page promoting an upcoming “Hughesy’s Mums ‘N Bubs Comedy Show.” The post read, “Calling all Mums ‘n’ Bubs! would love to have you along for a very special comedy show, he’s even said he’ll put on morning tea!”
The announcement was met with overwhelming support from followers, many of whom expressed gratitude for Hughes’ thoughtful consideration. “I was waiting for this. Brilliant,” wrote Sunrise presenter . Another enthusiastic follower exclaimed, “Love this!” while a third noted, “Smart!!! Your timing is good.”
However, not everyone was a fan of the idea, including some mothers who voiced their concerns. “Sounds like a nightmare,” one follower wrote. “I must be the only person who never went out with my newborn. I couldn’t think of anything worse,” said another. One follower questioned, “What about dads with bubs?”
Meanwhile, Barker has defended his actions, claiming that he “did what I thought I had to do to ensure the enjoyment of the audience.” He expressed distress over the backlash he has received, emphasizing that his intention was never to cause upset. “I will try to learn from it and find if there is a more gentle solution if this ever happens again,” he said.
The incident has sparked a heated debate online, with opinions divided on whether Barker’s actions were cruel or understandable. Some argue that the comedian was simply trying to maintain a professional and uninterrupted environment for his performance, while others believe that his response was harsh and insensitive.
