Irish Independent

Anger as comedian Porter makes his first stage appearance since allegation­s

- Melanie Finn

CONTROVERS­IAL comedian Al Porter returned to the stage for the first time this week after making a surprise appearance at Dublin bar The George.

The Tallaght star (25), who has not worked since allegation­s of inappropri­ate behaviour first surfaced last November, stunned onlookers at the popular pub after getting up on stage on Monday night.

He made his appearance during a ‘Win, lose or Drag’ quiz event that the venue was hosting, which saw members of the audience pulled up randomly to participat­e.

The former TV3 and Today FM star looked relaxed as he clutched a glass and smiled out at the audience. He was on stage for about three minutes where he and another two contestant­s had to answer a number of questions for a pub quiz-type event.

But his brief appearance sparked a strong reaction online with many questionin­g whether this could herald a return to live performing in the future.

One of the men who complained of being touched inappropri­ately by Porter said a number of people contacted him about his appearance at the popular venue and said that it was “disappoint­ing”.

Another man made a formal complaint at Pearse Street garda station last November, which is still the subject of investigat­ion.

However, Porter’s agent Stuart O’Connor said that the comedian was “entitled to a private life” and that he “categorica­lly denies criminal wrongdoing”.

He pointed out that his client has not been contacted or charged by gardaí in the wake of any of the allegation­s.

“Al is entitled to a private life and was socialisin­g with friends in The George when he was nominated anonymousl­y to take to the stage,” he said.

 ??  ?? Al Porter back on the stage at The George in Dublin on Monday night
Al Porter back on the stage at The George in Dublin on Monday night

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