On New Year’s Eve, a group of protesters gathered outside Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership venue in Austin to criticize the podcaster, dubbing him a “diet Alex Jones.” The protest featured participants dressed in inflatable costumes, including unicorns, dinosaurs, and cows, as well as an impersonator of Eric Cartman, the iconic character from South Park. The Comedy Mothership hosted its Best of the Year New Year’s Showcase that night, attracting a diverse crowd.
Videos of the protest circulated widely on Reddit, showcasing the colorful and humorous nature of the demonstration. One protester danced to the music while brandishing signs that read, “never again is now” and “Rogan is diet Alex Jones,” aiming to draw parallels between Rogan and the controversial far-right media personality Alex Jones.
Since relocating to Austin in 2020, Rogan has significantly impacted the city’s comedy scene, not only by moving his podcast production to Texas but also by acquiring the Comedy Mothership club in 2023. His presence has sparked a mix of admiration and criticism within the local community. Some commenters on the viral video expressed that the protest was “funnier than anything inside the building,” with one participant celebrating the spirit of Austin, while others echoed Cartman’s catchphrase: “Respect my authoritah!”
However, some critics argue that Rogan’s growing influence has overshadowed long-standing Austin venues and performers. With sentiments ranging from appreciation for local establishments to dissatisfaction with Rogan’s dominance, one critic lamented, “I hate that these a**holes from out of state, (Rogan) moved in and claim the entirety of the Austin comedy scene.” This highlights a tension between new arrivals in the city and local performers striving to maintain their identities and spaces.
The discourse around Rogan isn’t limited to local audiences. Veteran comedians, such as Marc Maron, have publicly voiced their concerns regarding Rogan’s contributions to the comedy scene. In a recent podcast episode, Maron criticized certain acts, including Rogan, for perpetuating harmful narratives about marginalized communities. He argued that the jokes often come at a significant cost, as they contribute to real-world distress among those impacted.
The duality of support and opposition surrounding Rogan reflects the complex dynamics of Austin’s evolving comedy landscape. As the city continues to attract talent and new voices, the dialogue around inclusivity and the essence of local culture remains paramount.