what did ben bankas say about renee good
Ben Bankas made several highly offensive jokes about Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman who was recently shot and killed by an ICE agent, during a stand‑up set that later went viral online. His comments sparked major backlash and led to six of his sold‑out shows in Minnesota being canceled over safety concerns and public outrage.
What Did Ben Bankas Say About Renee Good?
In the viral clip from a January show, Bankas directly mocked both Renee Good and her death.
Key lines reported and transcribed include:
- He played on her last name by saying:
“Her last name was Good. That’s what I said after they shot her.”
- He referred to Renee Good using a slur, calling her “retarded.”
- He mocked her identity and sexuality, calling her “a dumb crazy lesbian.”
- He ridiculed her partner, referring to her wife as a “dog.”
- In one bit, he joked about people wearing shirts saying “I am Renee Good. I am a dumb lesbian.”
- Commenters and reports also note that he implied she should have been shot earlier, which many people saw as crossing a serious line beyond dark humor.
These comments were made only days after Good’s killing, which many people felt made the routine especially cruel and insensitive.
How People Reacted Online
The clip circulated rapidly on Instagram, YouTube, and forums, pulling in millions of views and strong reactions.
Common reactions included:
- Outrage that he joked about a very recent, real killing.
- Anger over his use of slurs and attacks on her sexuality.
- Debates about whether this was “just edgy comedy” or outright harassment of a dead victim.
- Some supporters framing it as a free‑speech issue and “anti‑woke” comedy, while critics saw it as bigotry dressed up as jokes.
On Reddit, multiple threads discussed the incident, with many users calling his remarks “horrible,” “vile,” and “not comedy.”
Show Cancellations And Fallout
The biggest immediate consequence was the cancellation of six sold‑out shows in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Laugh Camp Comedy Club canceled all his weekend dates, citing “heightened threats,” safety concerns, and liability worries after the backlash.
- The club owner said local authorities, legal counsel, and staff all raised concerns, which contributed to the decision.
- Bankas’ representation (CAA) reportedly insisted he be fully compensated and allegedly threatened to keep other clients away from the club until the dispute is resolved.
In a follow‑up performance and social media video, Bankas told a crowd his Minnesota shows were canceled and responded with “F‑ck ’em,” apparently aimed at the club. He also said he’d work on new dates and venues for Minnesota audiences, signaling he doesn’t plan to back away from his material.
Wider Debate: Comedy, Boundaries, And “Cancel Culture”
This controversy has fed into a broader ongoing debate about what’s acceptable in stand‑up comedy today.
Different viewpoints include:
- Critics of the joke
- Say he targeted a recently killed woman, used slurs, and laughed at her death, which they see as hate‑fuelled rather than satirical.
- Argue that venues and audiences have every right to say “we don’t want this here,” especially when safety is a concern.
- Defenders of the comedian
- Frame the backlash as proof that comedy is being “policed” and that dark, offensive humor is being pushed out.
- Claim that context (a comedy club, voluntary audience) and free speech should protect this type of material, even if many find it disgusting.
- Middle‑ground takes
- Acknowledge his right to say it, but also accept that venues, sponsors, and audiences can withdraw support.
- See the situation as an example of how social media virality can rapidly reshape a comedian’s career, for better or worse.
Quick FAQ Style Recap
- Who is Renee Good?
A Minneapolis woman, a mom of three, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026.
- Where did Ben Bankas talk about her?
During stand‑up shows in Poughkeepsie, New York, shortly after her death; clips were posted to Instagram and other platforms.
- What did he say about her?
He made puns on her last name, used a slur, mocked her sexuality, insulted her partner, and joked about her being shot.
- What happened to his shows?
Six sold‑out shows in Minnesota were canceled by a St. Paul club due to safety and backlash concerns.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.