The George Bar have released a statement, after Al Porter made a controversial appearance on their stage on Monday night.
The comedian has been embroiled in controversy ever since he was forced to step down from his job at Today FM over a number of sexual misconduct allegations made against him.
In a rare public appearance, Al attended The George on Monday, and rumours quickly circulated online about Al making inappropriate comments during a brief appearance on stage.
According to some social media users, Al delivered an impromptu three-minute performance, in which he allegedly made jokes about putting his hands down people’s trousers.
Class to hear Porter is currently on stage at @TheGeorgeBar making jokes about putting his hands down people’s trousers. Continues to be a class act.
— Davey Reilly (@DaveyReilly) April 2, 2018
Many took to social media to slam The George Bar for giving him permission to perform, however, they have since released a statement regarding the matter.
“Contrary to erroneous reports on social media, Al Porter was not booked to perform in the bar last night and was in attendance as a regular customer,” the wrote.
“”He appeared briefly on the stage after his name was picked randomly out of a hat in one of the games involving audience participation organised by the entertainment act that had been booked.
2/2 games involving audience participation organised by the entertainment act that had been booked. Our focus continues to be on ensuring that all our guests enjoy a great night out when they visit The George.
— The George (@TheGeorgeBar) April 3, 2018
“Our focus continues to be on ensuring that all our guests enjoy a great night out when they visit The George,” they added.
Pink Tie Productions, which Al co-founded, also released a statement via Twitter.
“Al has not worked since taking time off last November to deal with allegations that were made,” they wrote. “Al categorically denies criminal wrongdoing, and he has not been charged or contacted by Gardai.”
They continued, “Al is entitled to a private life and was socialising with friends in The George, when he was nominated anonymously to take the stage. In the spirit of the event, he did so briefly, but did not perform any stand up.”
A STATEMENT REGARDING CLIENT AL PORTER 1/3
Al has not worked since taking time off last November to deal with allegations that were made.
Al categorically denies criminal wrongdoing, and he has not been charged or contacted by Gardai.@TheAlPorter @TheGeorgeBar https://t.co/NnXnqpxaLu
— Pink Tie Productions (@pinktietv) April 3, 2018
A STATEMENT REGARDING CLIENT AL PORTER 2/3
Al is entitled to a private life and was socialising with friends in The George, when he was nominated anonymously to take the stage. In the spirit of the event, he did so briefly, but did not perform any stand up. @TheAlPorter https://t.co/NnXnqpxaLu
— Pink Tie Productions (@pinktietv) April 3, 2018
3/3
It is very disappointing that even a rare private night out with friends can result in media attention and social media speculation.Al takes these matters very seriously. He has not made any comment to media on this since November and continues to deal with it privately.
— Pink Tie Productions (@pinktietv) April 3, 2018
“It is very disappointing that even a rare private night out with friends can result in media attention and social media speculation.
“Al takes these matters very seriously. He has not made any comment to media on this since November and continues to deal with it privately.”
The news comes after Al made an appearance at David McSavage’s show at the Olympia Theatre back in March.
