A Jewish comedian has been cancelled by an Edinburgh Fringe venue after attending a vigil for victims of the October 7 attacks.

Philip Simon was barred from the Banshee Labyrinth pub because of alleged “rhetoric and symbology” linked to Israel.

One reason cited by the venue for cancelling his show, Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way?, was his attendance at a vigil held for people killed in the 2023 Hamas terror attacks.

In a message to Simon, Banshee Labyrith said: “Our management had a duty of care to our customers and staff members to review the political statements and opinions expressed by the performer.

“We feel it is inappropriate for us to provide a platform for performers whose views and actions align with the rhetoric and symbology of groups associated with humanitarian violations.”

Simon said the only opinion he had expressed on the Gaza conflict was a desire for peace and to see the hostages freed.

He said: “I am still processing the concept that in 2025 I can be cancelled just for being Jewish. In the meantime, I will still be at the Fringe for my one remaining children’s show and continue to investigate possible alternative venues for both of my cancelled shows.”

Banshee Labyrinth told The Telegraph that it arrived at its decision after scouring Simon’s social media pages.