Right-Wing Comedian Alex Stein Returning to Penn State

Right-wing comedian and provocateur Alex Stein is returning to Penn State for a “politically provocative comedy night,” one year after his scheduled appearance at the university was canceled at the last minute amid escalating skirmishes.

Stein will be joined by “a few surprise guests” at 8 p.m. on Oct. 23 in room 154 of the Bryce Jordan Center, Uncensored America, whose Penn State chapter is hosting the event, announced on Wednesday.

The Blaze TV host and self-described “professional troll” was scheduled to join Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes for a “comedy show” at Penn State on Oct. 24, 2022. Despite backlash, the university maintained it would not cancel the event.

In the hours leading up to the event, however, a large crowd grew outside of the Thomas Building, where police in riot gear and on horseback were also stationed. The scene became chaotic. Stein emerged to agitate protestors and one spit on him. One person was arrested for allegedly ignoring orders from police officers to leave the area. An hour before the event, a group of masked individuals entered the crowd and deployed pepper spray on protestors.

About 40 minutes before the event was scheduled to start, the university canceled it, with police citing “the threat of escalating violence,” and Stein and McInnes were escorted off campus.

Uncensored America planned to bring Stein back to campus in April, but that was postponed after the university was unable to accommodate a change in dates.

The student-run University Park Allocation Committee voted on Sept. 12 to provide $7,774 to Uncensored America for the Oct. 23 event, including a $7,000 speaker fee, $699 for travel and $75 for lodging, according to minutes from the meeting.

Uncensored America reported that it expects about 100 students and 40 campus and local community members to attend. The group also said it had been in contact with university police about security for the event.

“Unlike typical comedy shows, Alex will engage with a live audience by taking questions from people during a Q&A session,” a description of the program stated. “This will give students the chance to be a part of the dialogue, learn more about a relevant issue, and challenge any ideas that they may disagree with. Alex not only wants to have a fun dialogue with people who agree and disagree, but he also wants to challenge everyone to think deeper about solutions to the biggest problems facing America today.”

Those interested in attending can register online to be notified when tickets become available.