Australian comedian and Fat Pizza star Paul Fenech was the victim of a violent glassing attack during a live comedy performance in regional Queensland on Australia Day. The 53-year-old entertainer was performing at the Spotted Cow pub in Toowoomba when an audience member allegedly took offence to a joke and hurled a glass towards the stage.
Violent Altercation During Routine Performance
According to Fenech's account to the Daily Mail, the confrontation erupted after he engaged in his standard practice of roasting members of the audience. The comedian explained that he had been making jokes about a woman in the crowd appearing underage, a routine he claims to perform at every show. Her boyfriend, now reportedly her ex, took exception to the comments.
'I apparently alleged he went out with a 15-year-old when he was 18 … so it was a touchy subject,' Fenech revealed about the exchange that preceded the attack.
Quick Reflexes Prevent More Serious Injury
The comedian described how the man threw a glass directly at him during the performance. 'Luckily my boxing reflexes saved my face,' Fenech explained. 'I used the microphone to block it, but it shattered into a million pieces including a bunch of glass into my knuckle so I've got some glass in there and about 20 stitches.'
Despite the serious injury requiring medical attention, Fenech demonstrated remarkable dedication to his craft by continuing with his scheduled performances. He was instructed to attend Toowoomba hospital for treatment but refused, declaring 'no chance he's ruining my Australia Day!'
Determined Performer Continues Despite Injury
Showing extraordinary commitment to his audience, Fenech proceeded to his next engagement at Sopo on the Gold Coast just fifteen minutes later. 'I have a show in 15 minutes at Sopo on the Gold Coast, and I didn't want to let anyone down so I'm injured, but ready to have a great Australia Day .. nobody f**ks with my Australia Day,' he stated with characteristic humour.
The incident reportedly escalated further after the initial glassing, with chairs being thrown as the alleged attacker fled the venue. Fenech admitted to retaliating by throwing a chair back, though he acknowledged that pursuing physical confrontation wouldn't present an appropriate image at a comedy performance.
Possible Contributing Factors and Aftermath
Fenech suggested that alcohol consumption may have played a role in the violent outburst. 'Also everyone gets roasted at my shows so maybe the guy was off his head,' he commented about the alleged attacker's state.
Photographs shared by the comedian showed his injured hand heavily bandaged following treatment, with reports indicating that glass fragments remained lodged in his knuckle. The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from fans across social media platforms, with many praising Fenech's professionalism in continuing his performances despite the painful injury.
Police Investigation and Wider Context
Queensland Police have not yet confirmed whether a formal complaint has been lodged regarding the incident at the Toowoomba venue. The attack comes during a period of heightened attention on Fenech's career, following recent headlines concerning his response to allegations made by actress Rebel Wilson.
Earlier in 2024, Fenech expressed disappointment over Wilson's claims that she was subjected to 'fatphobic' jokes during her time on his SBS comedy series. The comedian defended his show's legacy and his history of providing opportunities to newcomers in the entertainment industry.
Fenech's determination to continue performing despite significant injury highlights the unpredictable nature of live comedy performances and the risks entertainers sometimes face when engaging directly with audience members. The incident raises questions about security measures at comedy venues and the boundaries of audience interaction during live performances.
