Comedian Mike Ward Is On Trial For A Joke And It Could Have Huge Repercussions For Comedians And Free Speech

In 2012, Ward made a joke about a 19-year-old Quebecois man, Jeremy Gabriel in his show Mike Ward's eXpose. Gabriel suffers from Treacher Collins syndrome, which causes facial disfigurement. He had the opportunity to sing for Pope Benedict when he was flown to Rome to perform in 2006.

In the joke Ward, who is also from Quebec, states that he thought it was great that Gabriel became famous after the visit. "But now," the bit continues, "five years later and he's still not dead...Me, I defended him, like an idiot, and he won't die."

Gabriel claimed he endured tremendous pain and suffering and now a human rights tribunal in Quebec is hearing the matter. The tribunal hearings investigate complaints of discriminatory practices and may order a respondent to the complaint to cease the practice and it may also carry out fines. The rulings are overseen by federal courts and can be subject to appeals to higher courts.

Ward testified last week and a decision is not expected before summer.