Just a few days ago, we posted a story about how a group of local Los Angeles comedians outed a notorious joke thief in front of a live audience. The post has been drawing some spirited opinions and debate. And now we’re hearing that a contestant on Australia’s Got Talent ripped off two comedians by performing their jokes — almost word for word — on national television.
Twenty-two year-old contestant Jordan Paris, who claims he’s been doing stand-up comedy for three years, performed on the competition reality show Tuesday night. You can watch his act below. Take note of his bits about musician Robbie Williams and his “three requirements.”
The next video shows British comedian Lee Mack performing in 2007 on national television. Start paying attention at the one-minute mark. The fact that Paris stole the Robbie Williams material is pretty obvious.
The other main part of Paris’ act — about the three requirements he has for dating women — was clearly stolen from Los Angeles-based comedian Geoff Keith. You can watch Keith’s original version from his appearance on Live At Gotham. Start really listening at the two-minute mark.
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Paris told the Brisbane Times the following: “Comedy’s a funny thing. Obviously there are a lot of people doing a lot of things, but a joke’s a joke. If it’s making people laugh then I’m happy.” The report continues: When asked if it was perhaps a tribute to Lee Mack, Mr Paris continued to deny it but ended the conversation “I might do another Lee Mack tribute so stay tuned.”
If you have any comments — and I’m sure you do — leave them in the comments section.
UPDATE: 12:56 am EST
I just chatted with Geoff Keith to get his reaction about having his bit stolen on national television. “I don’t wish harm on anyone, but if [Jordan Paris] got hit by a bus, I wouldn’t care,” Geoff Keith tells Punchline Magazine, half joking.
Really, Keith was pretty calm about the whole thing. “I don’t have any sympathy for people who steal. And the sad thing is, is that most people not in the comedy world don’t even care that much when jokes are stolen. But I’m not mad about it. It’s annoying. But I’m not going to fly to Australia to confront this guy or anything.”