Protesters gathered outside Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership venue in Austin, Texas, on New Year's Eve, branding the podcaster a 'diet Alex Jones' in a colourful demonstration. Videos of the event, which featured participants in inflatable costumes and an Eric Cartman impersonator, quickly went viral on Reddit.
The protest targeted Rogan's club as it hosted two shows of its Best of the Year New Year's Showcase. One demonstrator held signs reading 'never again is now' and 'Rogan is diet Alex Jones,' referencing the far-right media figure who also lives in Austin.
Rogan moved to Austin from California in 2020 and has owned the Comedy Mothership since 2023. Critics claim his presence has harmed local venues and performers, with one Reddit user stating, 'I hate that these a**holes from out of state moved in and claim the entirety of the Austin comedy scene.'
The Independent has contacted Comedy Mothership for comment. Veteran comedian Marc Maron also criticised Rogan's impact on the Austin comedy scene, accusing him and others of promoting transphobia and racism in their acts.
