Queer comedian Reuben Kaye has been forced to cancel his Friday night show after critics threatened to protest outside.
Kaye cracked an X-rated joke about Jesus during an appearance on The Project more than two months ago, sparking demonstrations from Christians.
The comedian was due to appear the Sydney Comedy Festival at the Enmore Threatre on Friday night.
However, he postponed the show for three months, saying he was worried about the safety of his audience.
‘So we’ve postponed the show to a later date this year, when it’s easier for us to do this for you,’ the comedian said.
‘But don’t worry, we’ll be back, and I’ll see you at the next gig.’
He said the protestors could compromise the safety of himself, his band members, his audience, other comedians performing and nearby businesses.
Queer comedian Reuben Kaye (pictured on The Project) has been forced to cancel his upcoming show in Sydney after anti-gay protestors threatened to protest at the venue
In February, Kaye stunned the panel on the Channel 10 show after he cracked a controversial and sexually-charged joke about Jesus live on-air.
He had been telling the panel about the hate he receives from the Christian community for dressing up in drag and for his sexuality.
‘I love Jesus, I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more,’ Kaye joked.
His line left Waleed Aly speechless, but Sarah Harris and the rest of the cast laughed along with the controversial quip.
However, the gag sparked a furious reaction online with many saying it went too far.
It even sparked a protest outside Channel 10’s headquarters in Pyrmont.
‘What a disgusting joke about Jesus, and The Project team just giggled and did not say anything. So offended by your inaction,’ one person wrote on Twitter.
Another said: ‘Actually a filthy joke about Jesus. I’m all for being who you wanna be, but that’s too far.’
A third said: ‘Interesting to see Waleed’s reaction to that joke! He knew it was inappropriate! Project is so desperate these days!’
However, others told the comedian the joke was hilarious.
Kaye (pictured onstage in Scotland) earlier this year announced he would be performing at comedy festivals around the country, where he planned to ‘poke the bear’
One person wrote: ‘I can’t believe Rueben Kaye just said that on national, prime-time television. What an icon!’
‘I nearly p****** myself’ and ‘That was gold, the best thing on The Project in months!’
Kaye is known for his crude humour which he combines with singing and all-around showmanship in his comedy shows.
The comedian had announced he would be embarking on a national tour set to feature an array of jokes about touchy subjects like sexuality and racism.
‘I want to poke the bear,’ he said at the time.
‘I’m so thickly spread around this country that I might as well be systemic racism.’
However, in March, men from a Christian group took to the streets of Newtown, in Sydney’s inner west, to protest his appearance on The Project.
Later that month, up to 600 protestors gathered outside Channel 10’s Pyrmont headquarters to pray for the network and the comedian for the X-rated joke.
Kaye, who was due to appear as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival at the Enmore Theatre on Friday night, issued an apology to fans after announcing his show had been postponed
Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris were forced to issue a grovelling apology in lieu of the joke going live to air
On Friday, Kaye thanked the people that had sent him their love and support.
‘It means the world, and I just want to send love out there to any person, queer or not, who feels a lot of pressure right now,’ he said in an Instagram video.
‘Don’t stop, you’re loved, and you are held. We will remake this world so we are safe.’
Kaye is due to perform at the Perth Comedy Festival on May 5 and 6 before he will step on stage in Brisbane at the end of the month.
The comedian’s show at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre has been postponed to July 1.