Katie Hopkins comedy show sparks concerns

It is not up for the government to decide if people find controversial acts entertaining or not, a leading Guernsey politician has said.

During the States Meeting, deputy Jayne Ozanne asked Education, Sport and Culture President Paul Montague if the government had a "duty to balance freedom of expression and the concerns of vulnerable members" of the island.

Her question was centred on Katie Hopkins' upcoming sold out comedy show Free Range at Beau Sejour on 13 May.

Montague said while entertainment events should not be a political issue, he had asked officers to look at booking policies. Hopkins said attendance to her show was "optional".

Former LBC presenter Hopkins has often received criticism for her views and some venues have previously pulled her events.

She was banned from Twitter - now X - in 2020 for violating the platform's hateful conduct policy, but this was overturned in 2023 after Elon Musk bought the social media firm.

Ozanne said she did not think States-run venues should be used for events which would be offensive and "verging on hate speech" which made vulnerable people who would be using the facilities feel unsafe.

She described Hopkins' previous speeches as "frankly racist, homophobic and transphobic" and while she was "all for free speech", people needed to be protected.

She said: "I'm all for being offended, I think it's important to be pushed.

"But there is a line and it's that line that I'm calling out."

Responding to Ozanne's question, Montague said the States did have a duty of care, but he did not think it was right for the assembly to "descend into a culture war" on issues like this.

"We are asking officers to look again at the booking policy," Montague said.

"It would be entirely wrong for every booking to be elevated into a political decision.

"We need some robust and really carefully thought through principles to avoid any contentious issues in the future."

Posting on Facebook shortly after Montague's response, Ozanne said she was "very frustrated at the lack of understanding about the dangers of hate speech".

In a statement, Hopkins said her shows were attended by a wide range of people and if people did not want to go along, they do not have to.

"I am delighted to bring my fully sold out stand-up comedy show - Katie Hopkins Free Range to the island in 2026," she told the BBC.

"Attendance is optional. Want to come? Buy a ticket. Don't? Stay home."

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