Comedian’s remarks ‘inappropriate’: Heritage Minister Melanie Joly

Speaking outside the House of Commons on Monday, Joly said Peters’ comments were inappropriate, adding this type of humour does not have a place at the Junos. (Photo: Mélanie Joly/ Facebook)

OTTAWA –Comedian Russell Peters’s performance as host of the Junos on Sunday night is getting a bad review from Heritage Minister Melanie Joly.

Peters, who hosted the music awards ceremony in Ottawa along with musician Bryan Adams, introduced the minister before she presented an award alongside artist Coleman Hell.

“With him is the minister of heritage, Melanie Joly,” Adams said.

“I don’t know why, but she’s hot, so who cares?” Peters replied.

Peters also commented on the number of young women in the audience, suggesting it was a “felony waiting to happen.”

Speaking outside the House of Commons on Monday, Joly said Peters’ comments were inappropriate, adding this type of humour does not have a place at the Junos.

The minister said she is proud to represent an industry worth $53 billion, noting Canada is the third largest exporter of music in the world.

“We need to make sure that all our role models are supporting the importance of gender parity,” Joly said. “I really hope that he takes that into consideration and understands …

the importance of what he said.”

Peters was not immediately available for comment on Monday.