Comedian Reginald D. Hunter has appeared in court to face charges related to alleged antisemitic posts on social media.
The American stand-up performer, 56, is accused of three counts of sending offensive communications to Heidi Bachram via X, formerly known as Twitter, on August 24, September 10, and September 11 of the previous year.
During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Monday, Mr. Hunter confirmed his personal details. The private prosecution is being pursued by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).
Mr. Hunter was granted bail and is scheduled to return to the same court on November 14. At that time, it will be determined whether the case will proceed and whether he will be required to enter a plea.
The charges allege that the comedian sent a computer-generated sexual image to Ms. Bachram in August of last year, with prosecutors claiming the content was “grossly offensive.”
Deputy District Judge Louise Balmain stated, “There is going to be an initial legal argument as to whether the case should proceed, and that will take place on November 14.”
Mr. Hunter, whose address was listed as care of Kalber Struckley solicitors, was released on unconditional bail.
The comedian frequently performs in the UK and has appeared on panel shows such as Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You, and 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
In a crowdfunding appeal to help cover legal fees, Mr. Hunter stated on social media that he is “fighting a private prosecution for my comedy.”
By the time of his initial court appearance on Monday, £19,836 had been pledged towards a £50,000 goal.
The CAA describes itself as an organization of volunteers working to “expose and counter antisemitism through education and zero-tolerance enforcement of the law.”
Stephen Silverman, the group’s director of investigations and enforcement, previously stated, “This is one of a number of private prosecutions that we are bringing, and there will be more to say on the case in due course.”
Private prosecutions are cases brought to criminal courts without the involvement of the police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).