Trevor Noah under fire for old joke about 2012 Marikana murders – rt usa news
Liberal comedian Trevor Noah faces backlash on Twitter for an old joke resurfaced about the 2012 Marikana massacre in which 47 people were shot and killed by police in South Africa during a miners’ strike .
Noah, who hosts the “Daily Show” on Comedy Central, has defended the use of lethal force by South African police, saying they “Used tear gas all week” corn “Couldn’t control people” and “Had to use ammunition because the strikers had weapons”.
During his stand-up, Noah said that no one “really knows” what happened, but that “everyone has an opinion” on the event, which was the bloodiest episode in the country’s history since the end of apartheid in 1994. He also joked that “Tear gas is a waste of time” and ineffective against protesters, demanding “Which strike has already ended because of the tear gas?” “
But the beloved comedian’s comments were not well received on Twitter, where he was accused of “whitewashing” “War crimes” and defense “State terrorism”.
here is @Trevornoah defending the biggest act of state terrorism in South Africa since 1960. This thread uses excerpts from Miners Shot Down (2014), a documentary about the Marikana massacre, in which 47 striking miners were killed. pic.twitter.com/cepmx8Blaa
– Nicolas Moa (@MoaVideos) July 28, 2018
A South African tweeter lashed out at the Métis comedian, claiming he “Played the color card” in order to “hit the big moment” and gain a fan base in the United States. “I hope the American dollars are worth this comedy” another user wrote.
Police at the time defended their use of force against protesters demanding salary increases – but autopsy reports revealed most of those killed were fleeing from police when they were shot in the back .
It was the second time in a week that Noah’s past jokes had come back to haunt him. A joke he made in Australia about how he had “Never seen a beautiful aboriginal” wife sparked outrage on Twitter and led to an apology from the comedian.
Dear brother @Trevornoah, you are recognized as a powerful voice for black people around the world. I have been following the debate on the offensive comments you made about aboriginal women. Let go brother and apologize to your sisters. Sort it out now #NativeWomen
– Creator Mayek (@MakMayek) July 28, 2018
@joewilliams_tew you’re right. After visiting the Australian Museum in Bunjilaka and learning about the history of the Aborigines, I vowed to never make a joke like this again. And I didn’t. I’ll make sure the 2013 clip isn’t promoted in any way.
– Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) July 22, 2018
