Bend protesters picket controversial comic

Ralphie May is a standup comedian known for getting controversial laughs. He jokes about gender, race and more.

His performance Tuesday night at the Tower Theatre in Bend was sold out. Some people, however, weren’t laughing. They were protesting.

“He has a skit he does where he says, ‘Retards are so retarded they don’t even know they’re retarded,'” said Paul Moore, a retired teacher.

Moore recently saw an article about May coming to Bend. He said he saw some red flags and researched him, and found his comedy upsetting.

“For a person who has a family member with a disability, that’s very hurtful,” Moore said.

Moore’s 24 year-old son has down syndrome and autism. He is non-verbal.

One of May’s skits, called Girth of a Nation, pokes fun at the mentally challenged.

In the skit, May says, “I ain’t changing for nobody — that’s how I was raised.”

Moore and at least a dozen others decided to protest the event, holding up picket signs. Moore’s son was in attendance, holding a sign that said, “I’m a person, too.”

Moore says he knows he can’t change May. It’s the Tower Theatre Foundation who he says he’s upset with.

“I’m just disappointed that our community has welcomed him here,” Moore said.

A promoter, Random Presents, rented the theater for the show. The Tower Theatre Foundation released a statement saying it, “supports an individual’s and group’s right to freedom of expression.”

“For our performers on the stage and for community members to voice their expression,” said Ray Solley, executive director of the foundation.

We tried to contact Ralphie May, but he declined to comment.

Here’s the foundation’s full statement:

“As a performing arts organization and a nonprofit supported by the community, the Tower Theatre Foundation supports an individual’s and group’s right to freedom of expression.

“We, and the promoter who rented the Tower to present Ralphie May this week, have tried to make sure we alert the public to the adult and controversial material in the show. The last thing we want are people purchasing tickets and inadvertently attending something they find offensive.

“We apologize for any confusion caused by the marketing material’s use of the phrase “all ages show.” This was in compliance with Oregon Liquor Control Commission guidelines letting audiences know the event wasn’t restricted only to patrons aged 21 and over. The terminology should not be interpreted as rating the performer’s content “for all ages,” as in a movie or video game.

“We are aware that some community members and supporters of the Tower believe the Tower should not allow Ralphie May to perform. In the interests of freedom of speech and of those who do want to see Mr. May, we will meet our obligation and rent the Tower to Mr. May’s promoter.

“We are sensitive to the issues being raised and will continue to review our practices of evaluating future performances deemed controversial. We welcome all opinions and look forward to a constructive and public dialogue as we serve the entertainment and cultural needs of Central Oregon.”