Controversial French comedian Dieudonn sells out Montreal shows

Controversial French comedian Dieudonn M'balaM'bala,whoperforms under the name Dieudonn, is booked to play ten shows in Montreal in May.

The comedian, who routinely makes jokes about gas chambers andhas denied the holocaust publicly,was found guilty last year in Franceof condoning terrorism afterposting a joke on hisFacebookpage about the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris.

EspaceMushagalusa, asmall art gallery in downtown Montreal,has bookedDieudonnto play ten shows in a room thataccommodates200 people from May 11 to 16.

Shows sold out quickly

Gallery ownerMushagalusaChigohotold CBC the shows sold out quickly, despite little publicity.

Chigohosaid he was aware thatDieudonnis controversial, and so he asked to review the script of thisparticularshow before agreeing to the booking.

"There was nothing insulting, nothing degrading, nothing racist. I can't be responsible for what he's said in the past,"Chigohosaid.

Dieudonn has several previous convictions under hate speech laws in France and Belgium. Hehas been widely criticized in Quebec and has seen previous runs of shows booked here cancelled due to his controversial remarks.

'Vile promoter' of anti-Jewish rhetoric

David Ouellette, spokesperson for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, toldCBC thatChigoho was being "naive".

"It is safe to say that Dieudonn no longer is a comedian. He has become an anti-semitic activist.He is a vile, vile promoter of the most heinous anti-Jewish rhetoric," Ouellette said.

Ouellette acknowledged that the show Dieudonn plans to perform here has not generated much controversy after being performed in France, but he still hopedthat Chigoho might cancel the performances.

Ouellette also said he doubtsCanadian immigration officials willallow Dieudonn into the country, given his numerousconvictions in Europe.

Chigoho said he has hired extra security for the event, but he's confident everything will unfold calmly.