A controversial star has had her gig in Stroud switched after a public backlash.
Katie Hopkins was set to perform at the Convent in Beeches Green this evening, but the venue axed the show days later after criticism online over the booking.
The landlord of the original venue – The Old Convent – told the group he was not aware the original booking was for Katie Hopkins and that now he is aware the event will not take place there.
An open letter initiated by Community Solidarity Stroud District is calling on organisers to withdraw their invitation to Katie Hopkins.
However, it appears the event will go ahead, with Katie Hopkins’ website saying the venue is “to be announced” on Thursday, September 7 – the day the event is due to take place.
A Community Solidarity Stroud District spokesperson said: “Despite rumours to the contrary the Katie Hopkins event is most definitely not cancelled.
“We will meet to hold our protest rally, with speakers and PA as planned at the foot of the hill car park – opposite Merrywalks bus station.
“If we find out more about where the show is going to be held, we may revise this.”
James Beecher, a member of Community Solidarity Stroud District, said: “We don’t think someone with her record should have been invited to Stroud – and are pleased to see the community coming together to make this clear.
“We’re using our free speech to challenge the things Katie Hopkins says.
“We want to be absolutely clear that Katie Hopkins record speaks for itself and that she is no more welcome in Stroud than she was in South Africa.”
Hopkins has a reputation for sparking a backlash on Twitter, having caused rows regarding terrorism, immigration, obesity, feminism and social class down the years.
Amongst many others, her takes on the Manchester bombing and a Muslim family being denied entry to the US were two of her most notorious.
Community Solidarity Stroud District are inviting people to meet in The Old Convent Car Park when they can between 6 and 10pm on Thursday, September 7.
