Fans ejected as comedian loses sense of humour over mobiles

FANS of a US comedian are furious after they were ejected from his performance for using their mobile phones, with one even claiming she was only trying to text her parents.

Kevin Hart has faced criticism for his decision to enforce a “zero tolerance” mobile phone policy on his tour, resulting in fans claiming they were thrown out for as little as sending a message.

Paying fans at both the Manchester Arena and the O2, London, have revealed how they were escorted out of the venues for using their phones.

While Hart isn’t the first artist to impose a ban, others have used Yondr which allows fans to place phones in locked pouches. Hart, however, hired his own “cell phone security”.

Amy Yates vented her frustration online after she was told to leave, for sending “my mum a 5 word text”. She wrote: “I didn’t try to record and photograph anything … literally sent a text yet I got escorted out the whole of the building. God help anyone that has a genuine emergency …” Dan Steele revealed three members of his party were escorted out of Manchester Arena after they texted their babysitters before the concert.

He wrote to Hart on Facebook: “Before the show, three of the six were thrown out because they sent a text message to their babysitter, asking if their children were OK.

“In the real world, this is what people need to do in order to unwind and enjoy your show. We have people we need to know are OK.” Before the events both venues warned people of the strict policy. Manchester Arena reminded visitors that “at the request of the artist, the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited”.

The O2 said: “Anyone caught using a phone or camera before or during the show will be ejected with no refund.” Leaflets were also handed out stating that the ban included texting, talking, tweeting, cameras, social media and recording devices.

Hart’s agent was contacted for comment.