Piers Morgan, 58, claimed Barry Humphries had been standing up for women’s rights when the comedian made controversial comments about trans issues.
The entertainer, who channelled Dame Edna Everage on stage, had described transgender surgeries as “self-mutilation” and that being trans was “a fashion”.
As a result, Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award, which had been created in his name to honour the most outstanding comedy show each year, was renamed to The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award.
Following Barry’s death over the weekend, the festival shared a statement on Twitter which said they were planning a “fitting tribute” to the “genius”.
A spokesperson wrote: “The news of Barry Humphries’ passing in the last 24 hours of the ’23 Fest was momentous.
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However, some agreed completely with Piers, with another follower adding: “The world lost a diplomatic comedian who pulled it off with wit and intelligence.
“At least we have the reruns on YouTube to get a chuckle and remember one of the great entertainers… ironic he is now a hero to those who cancelled him only after he passed. RIP Dame Edna.”
Barry had previously stated that he’d been “banned” from the comedy festival, despite the fact that he launched it, along with co-star Peter Cook.
He claimed he’d been “attacked by the ‘they’ brigade” and accused of being “fascist, transphobic… and racist”.
Barry died at the weekend aged 89, after being admitted to hospital in a “serious” condition following complications from hip surgery.
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