For any venue hosting Mr Davidson and for anyone attending, please be aware:
“The Public Order Act 1986 makes it a criminal offence to ‘use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause another person harassment, alarm or distress’… This law now includes language likely to incite ‘racial and religious hatred’ in this definition.”
Jim Davidson, a British ‘comedian’ and television presenter, has been a polarising figure in the world of entertainment for decades. Known for his brash, old-school style of comedy, he appears to appeal to those who call themselves ‘anti-woke’ but are in fact merely odious and narrow-minded. Davidson rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a household name through shows like Big Break and The Generation Game. However, his career has been marred by numerous controversies, with critics accusing him of perpetuating bigotry, racism, sexism, and homophobia through his stand-up routines and public persona. While some fans defend him as a product of his time and celebrate his apparent ‘anti-wokeness’, others argue that his comedy has aged poorly and feeds off of prejudice, insensitivity and vulnerability. Adding to his contentious legacy are his associations with disgraced and criminal figures, most notably his relationship with convicted paedophile Gary Glitter, which has further tarnished his reputation.
The Roots of Controversy
Davidson’s comedy often relies on stereotypes, punchlines targeting marginalised groups, and a confrontational style that has frequently crossed the line into offensive territory. His material has been criticised for reinforcing harmful tropes about race, gender, and sexuality, often under the guise of “just joking.” While comedy has long been a space for pushing boundaries, Davidson’s routines have frequently been accused of punching down rather than challenging power structures or offering meaningful social commentary. He often uses identity politics to earn a living that is both ironic and callous.
Racism and Racial Stereotypes
One of the most persistent criticisms of Davidson’s comedy is his use of racial stereotypes. In the 1980s, he was known for impersonating Black and Asian characters using exaggerated accents and caricatures, a style of humour that was widely accepted at the time but is now widely condemned as racist. For example, his character “Chalky White,” a stereotypical portrayal of a Black man, drew criticism for its reliance on outdated and offensive tropes.
Davidson has defended these routines as reflective of the era in which they were performed, arguing that he was simply giving audiences ‘what they wanted’. However, critics argue that this defence ignores the harm caused by perpetuating such stereotypes, particularly in a country with a history of racial tension and inequality. In recent years, Davidson has doubled down on his views, often framing himself as a victim of “cancel culture” rather than engaging in meaningful reflection on the impact of his material.
Davidson is one of those who goes on GB News to spew about others under the realm of free speech. He comes across as ugly and out of touch to those who have empathy and compassion. Hence, his audience can be understood in these terms too, by many on the outside looking in.
When confronted with his racism and ignorance, the snowflake syndrome kicked in:
Labour MP David Lammy lambasts Jim Davidson for ‘legitimising everyday racism’ in Twitter row
Journalist stands firm in Davidson ‘racism’ row
Instead of evaluating his prejudices, Davidson just keeps spewing:
‘Asked how black people took the gag, he said, “I don’t know. I’ve not met them all yet. They are fine. We had Alf Garnett and Love Thy Neighbour. People ended up loving him.” ‘
‘Alf Garnett was a non-racist actor playing a racist character written by non-racist writers who constantly show how stupid and wrong his views are. Even a fuckwit like Jim Davidson should be able to see how that’s different from his own actual racism.‘
Homophobia and LGBTQ+ Jokes
Davidson’s comedy has also been accused of promoting homophobia. In the 1980s and 1990s, he frequently made jokes at the expense of gay men, often using slurs and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights were gaining momentum in the UK, Davidson’s material was seen by many as regressive and hostile.
Jim Davidson axed from Hell’s Kitchen after calling gay Brian a ‘shirt-lifter’
Sexism and Misogyny
Davidson’s treatment of women in his comedy has also drawn criticism. His routines often objectify women, reducing them to sexualised punchlines or portraying them as nagging and irrational. This brand of humour, while common in the era of “mother-in-law” jokes, has been increasingly scrutinised for its role in perpetuating sexist attitudes.
In addition to his stand-up, Davidson’s personal life has also been a source of controversy. His multiple marriages and public disputes with ex-partners have often played out in the tabloids, with some accusing him of misogynistic behaviour. While Davidson has denied these claims, his public persona has contributed to the perception that his comedy is rooted in outdated and harmful views on gender.
These comments on Mumsnet are very revealing!
Associations with Seedy and Criminal Figures
Perhaps one of the most damaging aspects of Davidson’s career is his association with disreputable and criminal figures, most notably his relationship with Gary Glitter, the disgraced pop star convicted of child sexual abuse. Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was a prominent figure in the 1970s glam rock scene but is now infamous for his crimes, which have led to multiple prison sentences.
Davidson has openly admitted to campaigning for the release of Glitter, even visiting him in prison and publicly defending him in interviews. This association has raised serious questions about Davidson’s judgement and moral compass. While he has claimed that he was simply supporting him, many have found his loyalty to a convicted paedophile deeply troubling, particularly given the gravity of Glitter’s crimes.
Davidson’s ties to other controversial figures have also drawn scrutiny. He has been linked to individuals within the showbiz and criminal underworld, further cementing his image as a figure who operates on the fringes of acceptability. These associations have contributed to the perception that Davidson is not only out of touch with modern values but also willing to align himself with those who have committed serious offences.
In 2013 Davidson was arrested as part of Operation Yewtree.
Defending the Indefensible?
Davidson’s supporters often argue that his comedy should be viewed in the context of its time, pointing out that attitudes and sensitivities have evolved since his heyday. They claim that he is being unfairly targeted by a modern audience that fails to understand the cultural landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. However, critics counter that this argument overlooks the fact that many comedians from the same era managed to entertain without resorting to bigotry.
Moreover, Davidson’s refusal to apologise for his most controversial material has only fuelled the backlash. In interviews, he has often portrayed himself as a victim of political correctness, claiming that his freedom of speech is under attack. This stance has endeared him to some who share his views, but it has also alienated those who believe that comedians have a responsibility to evolve with the times. Thankfully the former are dying out, and decency within comedy should prevail.
A Legacy of Division
Jim Davidson’s career is a complex tapestry of comedy, controversy, and questionable associations. While his stand-up routines have drawn criticism for their bigotry and insensitivity, his relationship with Gary Glitter, a disgraced and criminal figure, has further tarnished his reputation. Whether these associations are a reflection of poor judgement, a desire to cultivate a “bad boy” image, or simply a product of the era in which he rose to fame, they have undoubtedly contributed to the polarising nature of his legacy.
Davidson’s career is a testament to the changing nature of comedy and the ongoing debate about where to draw the line between humour and harm. While he remains a popular figure among certain audiences, his legacy is undeniably tarnished by the controversies that have followed him. For many, his comedy is a relic of a bygone era, one that reflects the prejudices of its time rather than challenging them.
Jim Davidson’s show ‘axed’ by theatre after rant about Diversity’s Black Lives Matter routine
Jim Davidson says row over disabled audience members in Plymouth was ‘b******s’
While comedy should always have the freedom to provoke and challenge, it must also strive to uplift rather than demean. In the case of Jim Davidson, it seems that his most controversial moments and his questionable associations have left a lasting mark, one that overshadows his ‘contributions’ to British entertainment. He has made a career from profiting from homophobia, sexism, racism and ridiculing those who go against his politics. Something that is easy to do but thankfully something that the vast majority now find abhorrent.
