What Luke Mockridge apparently thinks is funny shocks others. He outrages people with tasteless jokes about the Paralympics.
A few days before Luke Mockridge (35) returns to German television with his new show, the comedian’s questionable jokes are causing a stir. The bone of contention is an excerpt from the podcast “Die Deutschen” by Nizar (40) and Shayan, in which Mockridge was a guest.
In the episode, the trio talks about the Paralympic Games, among other things. “I take part in all sports and win, because there are only people who have hands like that and stuff,” jokes the comedian Nizar, pretending to have stiff hands. Then Mockridge comes in. “I think it’s great, it’s great. A great event for inclusion,” explains the comedian before he starts.
“Whoever drowns last wins”
“But the first person to have the idea, that was pretty crazy, wasn’t it? The first person to call another country and say: ‘Hey, you know the Olympic Games, I have a similar idea. You also have disabled people in your country, right? Should we see who is faster? Should we put them against each other in a race like that…”, says Mockridge.
Shortly afterwards he adds: “So there are people without legs and without arms, you throw them into the pool – and whoever is the last to drown wins.” The whole thing gets a laugh from the three of them. However, in the comments of an abridged version, which was also published weeks ago, criticism of such statements is now gathering.
“Dehumanizing” and “disgusting”
Two-time Olympic champion Kristina Vogel (33), who has been paraplegic since a training accident in 2018, has expressed her shock. In the comments, she writes: “So many insults are boiling in my heart right now… I don’t understand how people can be so derogatory! Yes, you can laugh at people with disabilities. But this from you… that’s just disgusting!! It’s not that you don’t understand what the Paralympics are about, but to drag people through the mud like that. Just wow.”
The former track cyclist also does . “Attention and advance warning for the question of why people talk themselves hoarse, because there are still people who say such inhumane crap and just put down disabled people!!! Here is just one example… it is unbelievable!!”
“This is absolutely unacceptable. Humor and sarcasm have their place in society, including on the subject of disability. Above all, to break down barriers and create points of contact. Unfortunately, this is completely wrong and contributes to further discrimination against people with disabilities,” writes swimmer and presenter Andreas Onea (32), who lost his left arm in a car accident as a child. “I don’t wish any of you to ever have to experience the subject of disability and the discrimination that comes with it. Do better!”
“How disgusting!!!!”, commented influencer Diana zur Löwen (29). “That’s just sad! How can you make such inhumane statements and post them proudly!”
Why Luke Mockridge “shouldn’t be seen on TV anymore”
Many other commenters share the same opinion. “You should be ashamed of yourselves for this behavior,” one comment says. Or: “Anyone who makes fun of the Paralympics has no idea about real courage, endurance and strength – the athletes there show more of it in one day than you might in your whole life!” One user also turned to Sat.1 with the comment: “Here’s another reason why LM should no longer be shown on TV.”
From September 12th, the channel will be showing the new comedy quiz “What’s in the Box?”. For Mockridge, it is a TV comeback as a presenter after around three years. A former partner made serious allegations against him in September 2021. Mockridge denied the accusations and the Cologne public prosecutor’s office dropped proceedings. As a result, he temporarily withdrew from public life. From 2022 he went on tour again.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
