Gavin McInnes, Founder of Proud Boys, Addresses Controversy Ahead of Comedy Roast
Gavin McInnes, the founder of Proud Boys, spoke exclusively with local investigative reporter Deric Rush on August 30, 2024, addressing the controversy surrounding a forthcoming comedy roast. The event, scheduled for September 18, is set to target Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. The student organization, Uncensored America, based at the University of South Carolina, has planned the event amidst growing concerns.
University Position and Public Response
Despite sweeping public reaction, the University administration remains firm on its decision to not interfere with the event, a decision guided mainly by the First Amendment rights of the student body and the invited speakers. This stance has drawn criticism from alumni and some legislators who believe that it is insufficient. Courtney McClain, a former alumna, began a petition in protest of the event, which has racked up over 15,000 signatures, exceeding its initial goal of 1000.
On the contrary, Governor Henry McMaster expressed a differing opinion. “The University does not have the right to cancel speech,” asserted McMaster. The only exception he made was for communications that directly put others in harm’s way.
Legal Implications
In spite of public dissent and McInnes being a contentious figure, law experts suggest that if the university attempts to halt the event, it might provoke a surge of lawsuits against them. “The organizers would like nothing better than to have the event canceled because then they will be able to truthfully claim that their speech has been censored,” argued Jay Bender, an attorney at the South Carolina Press Association. He added that if USC stopped the roast, it would be liable under federal civil rights laws protecting hate speech per the first amendment.
Gavin McInnes’s Take
McInnes, however, affirmed that he wouldn’t be inciting hate at the event. “If you’re looking for violence you’re looking on the wrong side of the political spectrum. The left are the violent ones they burnt down this country for two years straight. We had one riot on January 6,” he contended. When asked about his expectations for the roast, McInnes said, “It won’t exactly be like the classic roast you see on Comedy Central. We’re just going to make fun of what could be the worst president in American history.”
The comedy roast will be held in the Russell House Ballroom on the University campus at 7 p.m. on September 18.
