Comedian Ben Bankas Responds After Six Sold-Out Minnesota Shows Are Canceled Over Viral Joke Controversy

Comedian Ben Bankas is speaking out after a Minnesota comedy club abruptly canceled six sold-out performances following the viral spread of a video in which he mocked Renee Good, a Minnesota mother who was fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier this month.

The cancellations were announced just days before Bankas was scheduled to take the stage at Laugh Camp Comedy Club in St. Paul, where he had planned to perform between January 30 and February 1.

Viral Clip Sparks Backlash and Safety Concerns

The controversy stems from a clip Bankas posted to Instagram on January 13, recorded during a stand-up set in Poughkeepsie, New York. In the footage, Bankas makes remarks about Good’s last name in reference to her death, while also directing offensive language at her spouse.

The video quickly spread across social media, amassing more than eight million views and drawing widespread criticism, particularly from Minnesota residents already reeling from recent deaths involving federal agents.

Comedy Club Explains Decision to Cancel Shows

Laugh Camp Comedy Club owner Bill Collins said the decision to cancel the shows was not taken lightly but was ultimately made due to escalating safety concerns.

According to Collins, discussions with public officials, legal advisors, and staff raised red flags about potential protests, threats, and unrest surrounding the scheduled performances. He said the club lacked the resources necessary to ensure the safety of guests, employees, and performers under the circumstances.

Collins, who has operated the club since 2007, also noted that the cancellations could result in a financial loss of approximately $17,000.

Protests and Tensions in the Twin Cities

Local reports indicated that some St. Paul residents were planning demonstrations outside the venue had the shows gone forward. The controversy unfolded amid heightened tensions in Minnesota following the deaths of Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti, both of whom were killed in separate incidents involving federal agents earlier in January.

Since then, thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets across Minneapolis and St. Paul, calling for the removal of ICE from the state and greater accountability from federal authorities.

A nationwide protest effort, known as the “ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action,” took place on January 30, urging people across the U.S. to participate in walkouts and economic boycotts.

Bankas Pushes Back on Cancellations

Following the cancellations, Bankas addressed the situation on social media, stating that he was seeking alternative venues and dates for Minnesota fans. He did not directly apologize for the remarks in the viral clip but framed the backlash as part of a broader debate over free speech in comedy.

Bankas, who was born in Toronto and is now based in Austin, Texas, hosts The Tanakas Show on YouTube and has previously appeared on conservative media platforms. He is currently represented by Creative Artists Agency, which reportedly disputes the club’s decision to cancel the shows.

Ongoing Fallout

The situation highlights the increasingly thin line comedians walk in the social media era, where a single clip can spark national controversy and real-world consequences. For venues, the incident underscores the difficult balance between artistic expression and public safety during moments of heightened political and social unrest.

As of now, no replacement dates for Bankas’ Minnesota performances have been officially announced.