Stand-up comedian Reginald D Hunter’s show has been cancelled by Harrow Council after reports that Israeli audience members were jeered out of his Edinburgh Fringe show.

The comedian was set to play at Harrow Arts Centre on October 11, but the council decided to remove the act due to reports of an antisemitic joke.

Since performing at the Assembly George Square Studio on August 11, Hunter has been at the centre of an antisemitism row.

It is reported that two Israeli audience members were booed after they complained about a joke comparing the Israeli state to an abusive wife.

Hunter allegedly referenced the My Wife, My Abuser, Channel 5 documentary about an abusive partner and said: “When I saw that, I thought, my God, it’s like being married to Israel.”

He also allegedly joked about a review on one of his shows by The Jewish Chronicle, claiming the article could not access it online because of a paywall.

It’s said that he joked: “Typical f***ing Jews, they won’t tell you anything unless you subscribe.”

The local authority has asked the 400-seater theatre, which it funds, to remove Hunter from the line-up.

A Harrow Council spokesperson said: “We champion arts and culture in Harrow and strongly support freedom of speech. However, we also take seriously our duty to foster good relations with people – something we take great pride in Harrow.

“Recent comments and events relating to Reginald D Hunter do not reflect our values of diversity, inclusion, and good community relations.

“We were also particularly concerned by reports about the treatment of audience members at his recent show in Edinburgh. We have therefore taken the decision to remove this act from the mixed bill comedy show at Harrow Arts Centre on Oct 11.”

Since the backlash, Hunter said in a statement: “As a comedian, I do push boundaries in creating humour, it’s part of my job. This inevitably created divided opinions but I am staunchly anti-war and anti-bully. I regret any stress caused to the audience and venue staff members.”