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Tribeca Festival Condemns Rape Jokes at Premiere

6/8/2026

Summary

Tribeca Condemns Rape Jokes

The Tribeca Film Festival condemned jokes about rape made at the premiere.
Comedian Elon Gold said he was “raped by Israeli dogs.”
Influencer Lizzy Savetsky said “Palestinians were raped.”
The festival said sexual violence must never be mocked and expressed regret for the hurt caused.
Director Gidi Dar’s film about a Hasidic Jewish comedian who must raise $20,000 to marry his daughter opened with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary.

Summary

Tribeca Faces Backlash

Tribeca officials said they could not reach director Gidi Dar or other creators for comment.
Influencer Lizzy Savetsky attended the premiere without a formal Tribeca credential, invited by the film’s promotional team.
The controversy unfolded against the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that killed about 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages.
Human-rights monitors have documented alleged systematic torture and sexual abuse of Palestinians in Israeli detention facilities, including bestiality claims.

Summary

Savetsky Sparks Controversy

Elon Gold served as MC and executive producer on “The Wedding Entertainer.”
The comedy follows a disgraced Hasidic comedian who must raise $20,000 for his daughter’s marriage.
Lizzy Savetsky said her remarks referenced a New York Times claim that Israeli officials trained dogs to rape Palestinians, which she called “zero evidence.”
Savetsky attended the Tribeca premiere without a formal credential after being invited solely by the film’s promotional team.

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Tribeca Condemns Rape Jokes

The Tribeca Film Festival condemned jokes about rape made at the premiere.
Comedian Elon Gold said he was “raped by Israeli dogs.”
Influencer Lizzy Savetsky said “Palestinians were raped.”
The festival said sexual violence must never be mocked and expressed regret for the hurt caused.
Director Gidi Dar’s film about a Hasidic Jewish comedian who must raise $20,000 to marry his daughter opened with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary.

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