Reuben Kaye survived a pile-on over a Jesus joke and got cast in Moulin Rouge
Comedian Reuben Kaye was cast in Moulin Rouge after surviving a viral backlash over a Jesus joke.
Three years ago, drag artist and comedian Reuben Kaye told a prepared joke on Network 10's The Project: a sexual gag about Jesus. The clip went viral.
Within hours, digital backlash erupted with death threats, calls to burn his face, promises to find him at venues, and his talent agency's office was stormed. Masked protesters carried crucifixes to his shows.
Gigs were cancelled, security was hired, and his family was placed on a police priority response list. The Project apologised.
Kaye, 42, was pulled from scheduled TV spots. For months, his phone hummed with electric malevolence, a campaign of hate that taught him intolerance is easier than ever to weaponise.
Now, he has landed a role: Harold Zidler, owner of the Moulin Rouge, in the musical coming to Sydney Lyric Theatre in March. He calls it momentous, with six months to rehearse a role of light, shade, comedy and menace.
- More than three years ago
- Time of incident
- 42 years old
- Kaye's age
- March
- Opening date
Why it mattersIt shows how quickly online campaigns can silence performers, and how recovery requires time, resilience and new platforms to rebuild.
AustraliaThe Moulin Rouge production opens in Sydney in March 2027, offering Australian audiences a major musical theatre event.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
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