Comedian Nick Swardson Escorted Off Stage 20 Minutes Into Colorado Comedy Show
Comedian Nick Swardson, best known for his appearances in Reno 911 and various Adam Sandler movies, was escorted off stage 20 minutes into a comedy set at a Beaver Creek, CO venue over the weekend due to bizarre, belligerent behavior.
The 47-year-old had been performing as the headliner at the Vilar Performing Arts Center when the onstage breakdown occurred. Witnesses told TMZ that while some attendees were uncomfortable with Swardson's behavior, others cheered him on. In one clip that has since surfaced online, a woman in the audience can be heard heckling him, asking: "What'd you smoke before the show?"
@NickSwardson just taken off stage after being bombed out of his mind pic.twitter.com/RvbklPGj78
— Sean Guy (@seanrguy) March 4, 2024
In another clip, Swardson could be seen rambling and struggling through an impersonation of Jason Statham as the crowd erupted in boos. "I can't take it, I can't take it, I can't take it," a woman could be heard saying, before excusing herself to to bathroom.
Brutal. I really hope @NickSwardson apologizes publicly. pic.twitter.com/iiNKtU6u5F
— Seth Levy (@letsgoskatepool) March 4, 2024
During his brief set Swardson also brought up the late comedian Norm Macdonald, just weeks after he paid tribute to his friend in an Instagram post. "People always post stuff about a passing of a friend or family member with something like, 'Don’t take people for granted' [or] 'Tell them you love them,'" Swardson wrote on Feb. 19. "Well … do it. Here’s mine. Miss you, Norm."
It appears that the Grandma's Boy star was talking about Macdonald when the spotlights were turned off and his microphone was cut. Before he was led offstage, he reportedly gave the audience a brief wave and flashed a shaka sign.
Damn. Nick Swardson removed from stage and show canceled because he was too drunk to perform. Sounded like some people still wanted to see him. pic.twitter.com/Rd3SYgioWA
— Coach Duggs (@CoachDuggs) March 4, 2024
After Swardson left the stage, the director of operations came out and apologized to the crowd, telling them that the show had officially been cut short and that refunds would be issued to those who bought tickets. The venue also apologized to attendees in an email that was sent to ticket holders.
"We apologize for the negative experience you may have had at this evening's performance with Nick Swardson," the email read, per TMZ. "Unfortunately, this show did not meet the Vilar Performing Arts Center's standards as a world-class presenter of the performing arts."
"Therefore, all tickets will be refunded to the original payment method," the email added. "Please accept our sincere apologies, and be in touch if there is anything we can do to further assist you."
Swardson has yet to comment on the incident. According to his website, he has upcoming tour dates throughout the month of March, slated to perform next at Comedy Works in Greenwood Village, CO.