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Booking agency blames Reginald D Hunter for offence caused at PFA Player of the Year awards

The comedian went off message during awards ceremony

Paul Hirst
Wednesday 01 May 2013 12:21 BST
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Reginald D Hunter
Reginald D Hunter (GETTY IMAGES)

The agency that helped the Professional Footballers' Association book Reginald D Hunter for Sunday's controversial performance last night claimed the American comedian had gone way off message by using the word 'n*****' during his act.

Hunter, a black comedian from Georgia in the United States, stunned some members of the audience that had gathered to watch him perform at the PFA Awards with his repeated use of the n-word.

The PFA came under fire for booking the 44-year-old, but it claimed that Hunter had refused to adhere to guidelines laid out to the comedian by the PFA and the agency that booked him - London Speaker Bureau - in a conference call with all three parties prior to the event.

The London Speaker Bureau last night backed up the PFA's claim with a statement which read: "The London Speaker Bureau supports the PFA's statement in that Reginald's use of language was not what was discussed as acceptable on the briefing call with the the PFA.

"We regret any offence caused by the performance at The PFA Awards Ceremony."

The PFA is thought to have discussed Hunter's performance with its lawyers and is said to be considering asking Hunter for the money back that it paid him to perform at the ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair.

Hunter does not seem perturbed by the criticism that has come his way.

Yesterday evening, he posted two albums on his official Facebook page mocking those who have criticised him over the set.

The first album shows pictures of him performing at the awards ceremony, which he describes as "Irony's Annual Night Off".

One picture showing him drinking has a caption underneath that reads: "Reginald D Hunter washing out the dirty taste of racism with a little ginger ale."

The second album, entitled "The PFA Awards - the horrible aftermath" contains pictures of Hunter posing for photos with smiling guests.

One shows Hunter sharing a warm embrace with a happy guest, with the caption: "This fan grabs a hold of an apparent racist."

Another picture, again with a smiling audience member, reads: "This PFA attendee prepares to burn a Reginald D Hunter effigy."

Bolton captain Kevin Davies is also pictured sharing a hug with Hunter above the words: "Reginald D Hunter and this particularly hurt individual console each other."

Hunter's management company has failed to respond to requests for a comment from the American.

PA

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