Aussie comedians The Inspired Unemployed have been slammed over a recent skit that fans claim mocked people struggling with mental illness.
The duo, consisting of Jack Steele and Matt Ford, took to Instagram to share a recent clip they filmed in New York.
Dubbed The Easiest Way To Make Friends, the skit saw a couple strolling in what looked to be Central Park, as a man apparently struggling with mental illness is shown thrashing about on the footpath as the couple approaches.
The male of the couple tells his partner not to make eye contact, before the man notices the pair.
He soon interjects himself into all facets of the couple’s life, randomly yelling gibberish as they go about their lives.
The skit ends with the newly formed trio strolling down the street before the man notices a passer-by who piques his interest.
Aussie comedians The Inspired Unemployed have been slammed over a recent skit that fans claim mocked the mentally ill
‘Hey buddy,’ the man in the couple says, finally acknowledging the third wheel. ‘I guess I’ll see you around.’
The post was met with a flurry of comments from followers, with many calling the duo out for mocking people struggling with mental illness.
‘Swing and a miss, lads. Let’s look out for folks experiencing mental illness and addiction,’ one offered.
‘Having worked with many folks like this, it’s super clear that systems that could help are built on a foundation of avoiding eye contact, which results in inadequate resources to support those in need. Empathy goes a long way.’
Another chimed in with: ‘Imagine being invisible every day because no one wants to make eye contact with you, anyone would go crazy.
‘It could have easily been you. Have some f***ing charity, I love everything you guys create but honestly this is not the vibe, dudes.’
A third chastised the pair, not just for the content of their clip but also for its lack of humour
‘If you’re going to be extremely offensive to folks who are mentally ill and suffering from addiction, at least make it funny. Leave NYC and go back home lol, it’s giving small-minded, big fish, little pond. Gross,’ they wrote.
Dubbed The Easiest Way To Make Friends, the skit saw a couple strolling in what looked to be Central Park, as a man apparently struggling with mental illness is shown thrashing about on the footpath as the couple approach.
The male of the couple tells his partner not to make eye contact, before the man notices the pair
He then interjects himself into all facets of the couple’s life, randomly yelling gibberish as they go about their lives
Yet another summed up the sentiment of many with: ‘What an ableist, ridiculing take. This is not it. Do better.’
The dressing down didn’t end there, either. Former Bachelor star Dr Matt Agnew also weighed in on the skit with a lengthy Instagram post.
‘Just jumping on here with a quick but important chat,’ the scientist and educator said.
‘Up front: I do enjoy the skits by The Inspired Unemployed lads. However, saying that, their latest one ain’t it. This isn’t a go at the boys themselves, but the content of their latest skit.’
In his expansive post, Matt went on to list a raft of facts about mental illness and substance abuse, before calling the duo ‘lazy.’
‘Comedy is important, but punching down is lazy,’ he said.
‘We should be destigmatising mental illness and addiction, not making fun of people who battle with it.
‘If we want to help shine a light on mental illness, work together to make change and better support those who have to battle with their mind every day.’
The post was met with a flurry of comments from followers, with many calling the duo out for mocking people struggling with mental illness. ‘Swing and a miss, lads. Let’s look out for folks experiencing mental illness and addiction,’ one offered
The dressing down didn’t end there, either. Former Bachelor star Dr Matt Agnew also weighed in on the skit with a lengthy Instagram post
In his expansive post, Matt went on to list a raft of facts about mental illness and substance abuse, before calling the duo ‘lazy.’ ‘Comedy is important, but punching down is lazy,’ he said. ‘We should be destigmatising mental illness and addiction, not making fun of people who battle with it’
Many of Matt’s followers agreed, with one commenting: ‘I’m glad it wasn’t just me, I love their stuff usually but knowing and understanding both the mental health issues AND the impact of the drug crisis in America, this felt very off the mark.’
A third jumped in, revealing a personal connection to mental illness and drug addiction.
‘I did think this was a bit off. I didn’t find it funny. My brother suffers from a 20-year-long mental illness and ice addiction. It’s nowhere near funny,’ they wrote.
Daily Mail has reached out to The Inspired Unemployed for comment.
The Inspired Unemployed were embroiled in controversy in 2024 after a prank by the comedy group went disastrously wrong at a feminist talk in Sydney.
A large group of mostly women had attended the free event, which featured a panel including Clementine Ford and fellow feminist writers Antoinette Lattouf and Yumi Stynes.
But the unsuspecting audience, who were set to hear a serious chat on marriage and sex, became upset after Jack turned up as a ‘special guest’ and made a series of off-colour remarks which angered the audience.
The prank sparked backlash from Ford’s fans, who took to her Instagram to express their rage over being duped as part of a comedy show.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .