In a recent episode of This Past Weekend with Theo Von, comedian Andrew Santino opened up about the perplexing nature of recent infighting within the comedy community, expressing disappointment over what he sees as unnecessary attacks between fellow comedians.
The conversation touched on various controversies, including criticism from veteran comedian Marc Maron and the backlash surrounding comedians performing in Saudi Arabia.
Santino articulated his confusion over the community’s tendency to turn on its own members. “When the community begins to attack each other, I just think that’s a detriment to comedy as a whole,” he stated.
The comedian emphasized that while public criticism and differing opinions are natural, there’s something particularly troubling about comedians publicly targeting one another in their specials and interviews.
The discussion turned to Marc Maron’s recent comedy special, where he made pointed comments about Theo Von, suggesting he would “interview H*tler.”
Santino found this approach puzzling, questioning the necessity of singling out fellow comedians. “I don’t think you’re close enough for that to be… for that to have that kind of, you know,” Theo Von went on to say, ” Or maybe to say, ‘Hey, what do you think about this?'” suggesting that such jokes require either friendship or at least prior communication.
The conversation also addressed the controversy surrounding comedians performing at a festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Santino, who participated in the event, pushed back against critics who condemned the performances. “Everyone is a walking contradiction and there’s a million miles of hypocrisy in people’s arguments,” Santino said, pointing out that critics often overlook their own complicity in supporting problematic systems through everyday consumer choices.
Santino emphasized that the Saudi Arabia trip was about bringing comedy to new audiences and potentially contributing to cultural progress. “I’d like to think that where they’re going is an attempt at progress and future and growth,” he explained, citing comedian Jimmy Carr’s perspective on engaging with countries based on their trajectory rather than solely their past.
The comedian also stressed the importance of remembering comedy’s fundamental purpose. “We’re just comedians,” Santino said. “My whole goal was to make people laugh and feel good.” He expressed frustration with how media outlets and online commentators sensationalize conflicts within the comedy world rather than focusing on the positive aspects of comedians’ work and community efforts.
Throughout the conversation, Santino advocated for more empathy and less vitriol, suggesting that the comedy community would benefit from supporting one another rather than engaging in public feuds. “We’re all walking contradictions,” he concluded.