Comedian Rob Schneider’s recent performance at the Four Seasons Ball fundraiser concluded prematurely when his routine, filled with controversial humor, fell flat with the crowd.
According to attendees, the content of his set—which included transphobic, misogynistic, and anti-vax jokes—was not well received, prompting groans rather than laughter.
Tynan Allan, an attendee, shared that the set was uncomfortable and featured offensive material. He expressed his dismay, noting, “Everyone in the room was groaning, saying, ‘What is going on?’ Like, whispering to themselves,” indicating a lack of laughter and a general discomfort among the audience.
The performance was halted earlier than scheduled following feedback that it did not align with the expectations and values of the audience and the organizing team.
The Hospitals of Regina Foundation, the event’s organizer, later issued a statement. “While we recognize that in a free and democratic society individuals are entitled to their views and opinions and that comedy is intended to be edgy, the content, positions and opinions expressed during Mr. Schneider’s set do not align with the values of our foundation and team,” the spokesperson stated, underscoring that Schneider’s views were neither endorsed nor accepted.
Rob Schneider has attracted attention in the past for his outspoken anti-vax stance, claiming vaccines can lead to autism—a theory scientifically debunked—and criticizing public health measures.
During a 2012 interview with News10Sacramento, Schneider asserted, “The efficacy of these shots have not been proven, and the toxicity of these things—we’re having more and more side effects. We’re having more and more autism.” His controversial opinions have remained consistent over the years, including recent accusations against transgender TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which he labeled as ‘gender appropriation.’
In response to the incident, the foundation extended an unconditional apology to those in attendance and the broader community for the misalignment between the performer’s content and the event’s intended spirit. The event, despite the controversy, succeeded in raising $350,000 for the foundation.
Reflecting on the situation, Allan suggested that the foundation could have been more diligent in reviewing Schneider’s public statements and previous behavior before confirming his participation. “He’s been anti-vax throughout the pandemic, and he’s said transphobic things for years. I understand that you’re raising money, that you sometimes need to draw a crowd, but it doesn’t take a lot to vet people and specifically to vet people from a values-based perspective,” Allan commented.
The Hospitals of Regina Foundation confirmed that Schneider was booked through an agent, emphasizing that his set did not reflect their organizational values or those of their audience.