Australian comedian Lisa Jane Spencer has ignited a firestorm of criticism after posting a parody video that mocks a white woman 'transitioning' to being Aboriginal, featuring depictions of petrol sniffing and a smoking ceremony.
The Controversial Skit
In the video posted to her social media on Tuesday, Spencer appears as 'Aunty Lisa', with the caption 'Aboriginal person'. She says: 'I started identifying as a black fella a few months ago... And I finally feel at peace with who I am, one of the mob.' The comedian then ticks a fake government form, declaring 'Am I Aboriginal? Yes, yes, I am.'
The skit cuts to Spencer dancing barefoot, clapping sticks, and wearing white face paint, before stating: 'Aboriginal identity transcends skin colour. I am Aboriginal, end of story.' She is then seen sniffing from a red jerry can, mimicking petrol sniffing.
Backlash and Support
The video drew immediate condemnation, with hundreds of commenters calling it racist and insensitive. 'Racism isn't comedy,' one wrote. 'Recorded it, edited it, and posted it. Diabolical,' said another. A third urged: 'This is deeply disturbing and insensitive. Please remove this.'
However, some defended the skit. 'GIRLLLLL you're gonna make them mad with this one,' one supporter commented.
Spencer's Defense
In response to the backlash, Spencer took to her Instagram story, refusing to apologize. 'I love Aboriginal people,' she said. 'Petrol sniffing happens... It's a very real thing in remote Australia. But politicians and activists use Aboriginal suffering too—for votes, funding, and virtue signalling. They hate it when someone points out that maybe not every Aboriginal person wants to be the eternal victim.'
Spencer further argued that her joke was about 'how easy it is to perform identity for attention and/or benefits' and that the petrol was the punchline. 'If you can't make jokes about certain people, that is a form of privilege and hierarchy. Comedy is about tearing those down,' she stated.
The comedian has not removed the video and continues to face strong criticism from many quarters.
