Trump Supporter Throws Beer at Comedian Ariel Elias on Stage, Elias Chugs It Like a Champ
Photo courtesy of Ariel Elias (@Ariel_Comedy)
Donald Trump may be out of the Oval Office, but his supporters are certainly still out there, ready to pick a fight. Unfortunately, Kentucky-raised comedian Ariel Elias discovered this first-hand at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in New Jersey this weekend, where she was opening for fellow comic Gianmarco Soresi.
In a clip Elias shared on Twitter, a heckler asked the comedian if she voted for Trump (the answer was no). Elias tried to diffuse the situation by saying, “Guys, everybody vote for whoever you want to vote [for], I don’t care who you voted for. I’m just happy we’re all here together.” The audience member kept shouting at Elias, though, and the Trump supporter’s partner ended up throwing a beer can at the comedian. Elias managed to dodge the projectile, and not only did that, but she chugged the beer like a goddamn champ.
Here’s the clip pic.twitter.com/soeG3dixP4
— Ariel Elias (@Ariel_Comedy) October 9, 2022
Other performers tweeted in praise of Elias’ cool demeanor.
An audience member threw a full beer at @Ariel_Comedy’s head mid-set and it was not fun in any way shape or form but she closed it out like a fucking champ and that’s the only kind of actual brave I’ve ever seen a comedian be pic.twitter.com/UKGlQXXuY0
— gianmarco (@GianmarcoSoresi) October 9, 2022
Ariel wasn’t even doing political material. The drunk heckler was craving what every MAGAt craves — grievance and revenge. And they’ll alter the reality before their eyes to get it. “You SOUND like you voted for Biden.” https://t.co/rDCF9Cmoc1
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) October 9, 2022
You rock Ariel. How I wish I was there. https://t.co/i316jT40Hp
— Judy Gold (@JewdyGold) October 10, 2022
The republican fear of information and debate. Followed by a cowardly exit. America in microcosm at a comedy club. Well handled by Ariel who is clearly funny and strong and knows what she’s doing out there. https://t.co/GvudhxFz16
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 9, 2022
Umm…SO MANY things to say about this but the big take away is that @ariel_Comedy is super funny and total class. https://t.co/twi2CBKr5K
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) October 9, 2022
The venue’s owner, Dino Ibelli, contacted the police on Sunday morning regarding the incident, according to Buzzfeed News. Police have since collected evidence from the club.
“Basically, it was a wild night,” Elias shared in a statement. “I love standup so much. Please don’t throw things at me.”
The headliner, Soresi, added, “It’s so cool to practice an art form that only gets attention when something goes terribly. I’m glad Ariel is safe and I’m not just saying that because I hope she lets me open for her next time.”
Soresi’s right—let’s give Elias attention not just for her ability to perform in a frightening situation, but also because she’s funny as hell. If the video above didn’t convince you, check out her performance from the 2021 Just For Laughs festival, where she was featured as one of their New Faces of Comedy, and try to catch her next show: