Hannah Gadsby slams Barry Humphries as ‘irrelevant and inhumane’ in resurfaced Tweet

Australian feminist comedian Hannah Gadsby slammed comedy legend Barry Humphries, five years before his death.

In a resurfaced Tweet from 2018, Gadsby, 45, labelled Humphries as ‘irrelevant and inhumane’ as she criticised his comedy act.

‘Barry Humphries loves those who hold power, hates vulnerable minorities and has completely lost the ability to read the room,’ she wrote.

‘That’s not a comedian, that’s an irrelevant, inhumane d**k biscuit of the highest order.’

Following news of Humphries’ death on Saturday, media insider Peter Ford reposted the historic Tweet and hit back: ‘Comedy is subjective. We don’t all find the same things funny.’

‘Hannah is entitled to her opinion. However my view is that I understand Hannah identifies as being funny but Barry actually WAS funny. I hope she feels proud the charge she lead against a then 84 year old man.’

It comes after Gadsby controversially hit out at Humphries in 2017 while accepting an award named after him at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The Nanette star received the Barry Award for the most outstanding show, and used her acceptance speech to hit back at comments from the festival’s founding member Humphries. 

Humphries had previously referred to transgender women as ‘mutilated men’.

In a resurfaced Tweet from 2018, Gadsby labelled Humphries as ‘irrelevant and inhumane’ as she criticised his comedy act. Following news of Humphries’ death on Saturday, media insider Peter Ford reposted the Tweet and hit back at Gadsby

Gadbsy accepted the award and said she respected Humphries as a comedian, but didn’t agree with his statements. 

It follows news Humphries died surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 grandchildren.

He is best known for his characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. 

Humphries, who has lived in London for decades, came back to Sydney in December for Christmas.

He subsequently suffered a fall that led to his hip replacement surgery.

‘He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,’ his family said in a statement.

Humphries died surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 grandchildren

Humphries spent more than 70 years on the stage and was ‘an entertainer to his core’ who loved his audiences and never took them for granted.

But he was also a painter, author, poet and collector of art.

‘He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives,’ his family said.

‘The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.’ 

He is best known for his characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson. Pictured as Dame Edna in 2019