Comedian cleared of intentional racism

[ad_1]

State prosecutors will not press charges against Norwegian comedian Atle Antonsen, who made offensive remarks against Norwegian Somali author and activist Sumaya Jirde Ali last fall. Antonsen claimed he never meant to be racist, even after telling her when meeting in a crowded bar that she was “too dark-skinned” to be a boss.

The VG newspaper reported on Friday that prosecutors described Antonsen’s remarks as “a failed attempt to satirize racism.” They chose not to formally charge him, but the Norwegian Anti-Racism Center appealed. Now state prosecutors have prevailed in their belief that a formal case against Antonsen would not hold up in court. Antonsen’s defense attorney told VG the 53-year-old comedian was “relieved” the prosecutor’s office believed his explanation.

The incident at Bar Boca in Oslo’s working-class Grnerlkka neighborhood grabbed headlines and sparked a public debate about “everyday racism” in Norway. Ali herself declined to comment immediately on how the state dropped legal action against Antonsen, who was once publicly scorned and removed from his role on a Norwegian TV comedy show.

NewsinEnglish.no staff

[ad_2]