Hospitals of Regina Foundation apologizes for Rob Schneider's jokes at fundraiser

The Hospitals of Regina Foundation has issued an "unconditional apology" for the jokes made by a comedian that overshadowed its otherwise successful fundraiser.

The organization issued a statement on Wednesday morning, saying that Rob Schneider's jokes at a fundraiser Saturday do "not align" with the foundation's values.

"We do not condone, accept, endorse or share Mr. Schneider's positions, as expressed during his comedy set," the Hospitals of Regina Foundation wrote in an unsigned statement.

The statement did not include details about the content of Schneider's jokes.

Some attendees, who have declined to speak on the record, told CBC the comedian's set included jokes made at the expense of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, especially individuals who are transgender.

Other topics included in Schneider's set referenced the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination policies.

The Hospitals of Regina Foundation said Schneider was asked to end his performance early once it became clear "the performance did not meet the expectations of our audience and our team."

Schneider immediately left the stage and the organization issued "an unconditional apology" to the guests at the fundraiser.

The organization reiterated its apology in the statement on Wednesday. It noted the Four Seasons Ball fundraiser, held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, was sold out and raised $350,000 for the city's hospitals.

The Hospitals of Regina Foundation said Schneider was booked in 2023 through its booking agent.

The foundation said it would not have any further comment beyond the statement.

All references to Schneider, including a poster advertising Schneider's appearance, have been removed from the organization's website.

Schneider did not respond when asked for comment by CBC earlier this week.