Fans Walk Out Of Count Basie In Middle Of Wanda Sykes Show

RED BANK, NJ — Dozens of people who attended comedian Wanda Sykes show walked out of the Count Basie theater last Thursday night, Sept. 27, after they were angry Sykes' show became too political and took shots at President Donald Trump.

The story was first reported by the Asbury Park Press, which interviewed multiple fans in the audience. Some people who attended said they were fine with Sykes' show and enjoyed it. Others said they were angry she started off with political barbs at Trump. Trump won Monmouth County, which leans Republican. However, Count Basie is located in Red Bank, arguably the most liberal town in Monmouth County.

One of the people who walked out is Diane Gargano, a Trump supporter from Old Bridge.

“I don’t think it’s fair. I’m a single mom, it’s a night to get out to get away with laughter," she told the APP. "I didn’t pay $85 to listen to her political views. I can turn on CNN for that bullcrap. I understand that she’s a political comedian but at some point you have to move on.”

“There was a dozen or two (people) discussing it, and asking for our money back,” Gargano said.

She and others have now repeatedly called the Count Basie for refunds.

"Some people did get upset and were shouting at the performer, and then they were asked to leave," Jon Vena, the vice president of marketing and PR at the Count Basie, told Patch. "It really all lasted for about a minute; it's getting blown out of proportion. And we generally do not offer refunds."

Sykes opened her routine with jabs at Trump, and she was heckled.

“Do some comedy!” one person in the audience shouted, according to the Asbury Park Press.

“Too political!” someone else shouted.

Photo credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Niche Media