Comedian Corey Holcomb has publicly linked the cancellation of multiple bookings to the fallout from a widely circulated video showing him in an altercation with another comic, Holcomb said this week.
Holcomb, a stand-up performer and host of the 5150 podcast, told listeners he has lost “a lot of my gigs” since footage of the incident outside the Hollywood Improv was shared online by media outlets, including TMZ. “Y’all got me good, TMZ,” he said, asserting the coverage has harmed his ability to secure work.
The surveillance footage, first reported earlier this month, appears to show Holcomb striking comedian Cristina Payne during a confrontation in December 2024. Payne has publicly discussed watching the video and said she feared for her safety after the incident, according to previous reports.
After the video was released, many people in the industry and on social media criticized Holcomb for how he handled the situation, urging him to take responsibility. Some of his bookings were canceled during this time, but specific venues have not shared their decisions. Holcomb reacted to the criticism by saying that media coverage hurt his reputation and business connections.
Representatives for Holcomb and venues linked to the cancellations did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Booking cancellations in entertainment can stem from varied factors, including audience reaction, venue policy, and contractual terms.
Holcomb has built a national profile in comedy over the decades, touring clubs and festivals. How widely cancellations have spread beyond the Los Angeles area has not been independently verified.
The video that caused the controversy seemed to show Holcomb hitting Payne. She said watching it made her feel emotional and worried for her safety. Payne also claimed there were threats during the incident, but Holcomb disagreed with some details of her story.
The case remains a focal point in discussions about professional consequences for comedians involved in off-stage confrontations, illustrating how viral social media can affect live entertainment careers.
Despite reported cancellations, some shows on Holcomb’s upcoming touring calendar remain listed on ticket vendors’ websites, including performances scheduled this month in Nashville and other cities.
