Do us proud, Trevor — your ‘playful’ jokes don’t offend us, say SA Jews

TREVOR Noah’s jokes are harmless. That is the attitude of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies following this week’s storm over accusations that the renowned comedian had made anti-Semitic jokes.

The award-winning South African comic was announced as the new host of the US latenight news satire TV programme The Daily Show.

Noah has tweeted more than 8 800 times since joining Twitter some six years ago and is known for taking on just about everyone — whites, blacks, coloureds, Indians, women and fat people as well as various religious groups.

Mary Kluk, chairwoman of the Jewish Board of Deputies, said the body was delighted with Noah’s appointment on The Daily Show.

“Negative stereotypes of all people are potentially offensive. However, the SAJBD believes that tweets made by Noah do not constitute anti-Jewish prejudice on his part. Trevor Noah’s style of humour is playful, and is intended to provoke a response.

“The SAJBD wishes him all the success and wisdom that he will require in his new position, and is confident that he will do our country proud,” said Kluk.

Tweets by Noah that offended some people include: “Behind every successful Rap Billionaire is a double as rich Jewish man.”

In September 2009 he posted: “Almost bumped a Jewish kid crossing the road. He didn’t look b4 crossing but I still would hav felt so bad in my German car!”

When the furore over some of his jokes emerged this week, Noah’s new employers, Comedy Central, came to his defence, saying: “Like many comedians, Trevor Noah pushes boundaries; he is provocative and spares no one, himself included. To judge him or his comedy based on a handful of jokes is unfair. Trevor is a talented comedian with a bright future at Comedy Central.”

Local comedians also defended Noah, with Kagiso Lediga saying those who criticised the Johannesburgborn comic were jealous.

“Only positive things can happen, not only for South African comedy but global comedy. Trevor is more than capable to fill Jon Stewart’s shoes. Criticism comes with the position. It’s a blood hunt of sorts by some segments of the American media. But I am hoping it will pass and be forgotten soon,” said Lediga.

Cape Town stand-up comedian Marc Lottering said if there was anyone ready for the Daily Show role, it was Noah.

“I’m helluva jealous! It’s a big deal. A life-changing moment. This is not only fantastic for Trevor, but also for young Africans who have big dreams,” said Lottering.

He said it was not surprising people were digging up “dirt”.

“It’s the way things go in the jungle when you’re about to hit the big time . . . every comic in the world has made gags somewhere along the line that are questionable. The heat is on, and I hope that Trevor stays in the kitchen and cooks up a storm.”

Riaad Moosa tweeted: “Well done to @Trevornoah — continuing to kick ass.”