Calls grow in Ireland to cancel event featuring infamous anti-Muslim commentator
Katie Hopkins’ planned event in Derry sparks backlash over her history of anti-Muslim rhetoric and divisive remarks
DERRY, Ireland (MNTV) — A planned comedy event in Ireland’s Derry city featuring Katie Hopkins, an Islamophobic political commentator, has sparked outrage and calls for a boycott.
The event, part of Hopkins’ “Bats**t Bonkers Britain” UK and Ireland tour, is set to take place at the Everglades Hotel on June 17 2025.
Described as a stand-up show, it is one of five Irish dates, including two in Belfast’s Europa Hotel—one of which is reportedly sold out—as well as shows in Dublin and Cork. Both hotels are owned by Hastings Hotels Group.
Hopkins, known for her hateful views on immigration, Islam, and other topics, has faced significant backlash over her past remarks.
Critics argue that her rhetoric promotes hatred and division.
According to Irish News, the Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has urged locals to email the Everglades Hotel to demand the event’s cancellation.
The group has provided a pre-written email accusing Hopkins of mocking the suffering of Palestinian people and calling for a boycott of Hastings Hotels if the event proceeds.
“Derry is a city built on solidarity, resistance to oppression, and a commitment to human rights,” the IPSC statement reads. “The people of Derry and Strabane will not sit idly by while the Everglades Hotel hosts someone who openly mocks the suffering of others.”
The email further references the ongoing Palestinian struggle, highlighting the deaths of thousands of children in Gaza, and warns the hotel about the potential damage to its reputation if the event continues.
Hopkins’ controversial history includes support for Israel, offensive comments about Ramadan, and a tweet calling for a “final solution” after the Manchester Arena bombing, which led to her dismissal from radio station LBC in 2017.
In 2015, her Sun column compared migrants to “cockroaches,” drawing widespread condemnation.
Despite her reinstatement on Twitter in 2023 after Elon Musk’s takeover, her inflammatory remarks continue to draw criticism.
While her website promotes the tour as “a laugh-out-loud escape,” many in Derry view the event as a platform for hate speech.
Local activists are determined to uphold the city’s legacy of solidarity and resistance to oppression by opposing her appearance.
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