Following a social media stir after Al Porter briefly appeared on the stage at Dublin gay bar, The George last Monday, his management company has released a statement criticising the media for picking up on the story.

The comedian was in the pub taking part in a table quiz when he briefly took to the stage after his name was pulled from a hat. A Tweet was sent, suggesting that the comedian made jokes concerning accusations of sexual misconduct made against him last year.

https://twitter.com/DaveyReilly/status/980941067909464065

The story was subsequently taken up by the Times newspaper.

The George was quick to correct social media commentators, who made claims that the establishment had booked the comedian as entertainment.

Statement from The George:

Contrary to erroneous reports on social media, Al Porter was not booked to perform in the bar last night and was in attendance as a regular customer. He appeared briefly on the stage after his name was picked randomly out of a hat in one of the 1/2

— The George Dublin (@TheGeorgeDublin) April 3, 2018

2/2 games involving audience participation organised by the entertainment act that had been booked. Our focus continues to be on ensuring that all our guests enjoy a great night out when they visit The George.

— The George Dublin (@TheGeorgeDublin) April 3, 2018

The statement reads: “Contrary to erroneous reports on social media, Al Porter was not booked for any gig at the bar last night and was in attendance as a regular customer.

“He appeared briefly on stage after his name was picked randomly out of a hat in one of the games involving audience participation organised by the entertainment act that had been booked.

“Our focus continues to be on ensuring that all our guests enjoy a great night out when they visit The George.”

In response to the statement made by The George, Pink Tie Productions replied with a statement outlining the position of their client Al Porter.

A STATEMENT REGARDING CLIENT AL PORTER 1/3

Al has not worked since taking time off last November to deal with allegations that were made.

Al categorically denies criminal wrongdoing, and he has not been charged or contacted by Gardai.@TheAlPorter @TheGeorgeBar https://t.co/NnXnqpxaLu

— Pink Tie Productions (@pinktietv) April 3, 2018

A STATEMENT REGARDING CLIENT AL PORTER 2/3

Al is entitled to a private life and was socialising with friends in The George, when he was nominated anonymously to take the stage. In the spirit of the event, he did so briefly, but did not perform any stand up. @TheAlPorter https://t.co/NnXnqpxaLu

— Pink Tie Productions (@pinktietv) April 3, 2018

3/3
It is very disappointing that even a rare private night out with friends can result in media attention and social media speculation.

Al takes these matters very seriously. He has not made any comment to media on this since November and continues to deal with it privately.

— Pink Tie Productions (@pinktietv) April 3, 2018

Porter then retweeted Pink Tie’s statement on Twitter, it reads: “Al has not worked since taking time off last November to deal with allegations that were made. Al categorically denies criminal wrongdoing, and he has not been charged or contacted by Gardai.

“Al is entitled to a private life and was socialising with friends in The George when he was nominated anonymously to take the stage. In the spirit of the event, he did so briefly but did not perform any stand-up.

“It is very disappointing that even a rare private night out with friends can result in media attention and social media speculation. Al takes these matters very seriously. He has not made any comment to media on this since November and continues to deal with it privately.”

Pink Tie Productions was co-founded by Porter, along with producer Stuart O’Connor.