Sign Language Isn’t a Punchline

In recent years, viral clips of comedians interacting with sign language interpreters during live shows have flooded social media. The interpreter signs a punchline—often crude or profane—and the audience erupts in laughter. The comedian grins, reveling in the moment.

They often change their routine just to watch the interpreter sign it, they interact with the interpreter, asking them questions, making the interpreter part of the joke.

One example was Nick Thune, who turned his back to the audience and stands still for awhile then says “uh he’s just like looking at this stool now.. yeah this is pretty boring. Are you doing anything later?” - basically making it look as if the interpreter was hitting on the Deaf guy, who is unaware it was the comedian is speaking these words.

Beneath the surface of these seemingly light-hearted exchanges lies a deeper issue: access is being turned into spectacle.

What If It Wasn't Deaf People?

Let’s flip the script. What if it were another form of access?

A comedian says "eat shit" just to hear the French interpreter translate it. I doubt that "manger de la merde" would have quite the same response as the signed version.

Would they grab a blind person’s white cane and mimic their movements for laughs? Well—only if they fell off the stage, right? (Sarcastically thinking to myself.)

Yet when it comes to Deaf access, the boundaries blur. The interpreter, whose role is to ensure communication equity, is suddenly part of the act. Not by choice, but by proximity.

It's Exploitative

These moments aren’t just awkward; they’re exploitative. The interpreter is there to serve the Deaf audience, not to entertain the hearing one. But when comedians spotlight interpreters mid-performance, they shift the focus from inclusion to novelty. The Deaf person becomes invisible, while the interpreter becomes a prop.

Let’s be honest, these clips aren’t just about laughs. They drive engagement, boost ticket sales, and pad the comedian’s brand. Meanwhile, the Deaf community is left watching their access be commodified...again.

Access isn't a Joke

Access isn’t a gimmick. It’s a right. And when comedians treat interpreters as part of the show, they’re not just playing with language - they’re playing with people’s dignity.

Let’s return to Nick Thune’s bit. What if the Deaf person genuinely thought the interpreter was flirting? Imagine the embarrassment when he realizes he was the butt of the joke, and everyone was laughing at him.

It's no different from the schoolyard bullies laughing and pointing at the outlier student is it?

A Call for Respect, Not Recognition

Comedy thrives on pushing boundaries—but access should never be the punchline. If comedians truly value inclusivity, they must recognize that interpreters are not part of the act. They’re part of the audience’s right to understand and engage.

Want to be edgy? Be clever. Want to be inclusive? Be respectful.

That means consulting with Deaf advocates, understanding the role of interpreters, and keeping the focus where it belongs—on the performance, not the access.

Because when you turn access into entertainment, you’re not amplifying inclusion. You’re exploiting it.

Author’s Note: I love watching comedians with sharp, original material—those who push boundaries with wit, not cheap shots. So when I see performers leaning on the interpreter for laughs, it feels like a creative shortcut. If your punchline depends on someone else’s access, maybe it’s time to rewrite the joke.