Introduction
Konstantin Kisin (Russian: Константин Кисин; born 25 December 1982) is a Russian-British comedian and political commentator. Kisin regularly writes for a number of publications including Quillette, The Spectator, The Daily Telegraph and Standpoint on issues relating to tech censorship, woke culture, comedy and so-called "culture war" topics. He has co-hosted Triggernometry since 2018, a YouTube channel and podcast featuring fellow comedian and co-host Francis Foster.
Career
Since April 2018 Kisin has been co-presenter of the show Triggernometry, a YouTube channel and podcast. The show is dedicated to free speech and open discussion on a range of controversial topics, featuring guests from diverse backgrounds. Guests have included Nigel Farage, Toby Young, Douglas Murray, Jordan Peterson, Andrew Doyle, Peter Hitchens, Mark Blyth, Andrew Adonis, Diana Fleischman, Scott Adams, Nicholas Gruen, Laurence Fox, Carl Benjamin, Melanie Phillips, Rod Liddle, Julia Hartley-Brewer, John Curtice, Matthew Goodwin, Helen Dale, Calvin Robinson, Steven Woolfe, Geoff Norcott, Kathleen Stock, Paul Embery, Katharine Birbalsingh and Debbie Hayton.
In 2019 he took his show Orwell That Ends Well to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to mixed reviews. The Daily Telegraph included the show in its list of best comedy shows of the Edinburgh Festival, while Fest Magazine called it "ill-considered, reactionary nonsense" and The Jewish Chronicle described Kisin as an "antagonist" and rated the show 2/5. Since then, he has been touring the United Kingdom performing stand-up material and commenting on woke culture.
In March 2022 he appeared as a panellist on the first edition of BBC Question Time following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He talked about how he feels nothing but shame for his country (Russia), and how his family in Ukraine are being bombarded.
SOAS University of London appearance clash
In 2018 Kisin made headlines when he refused to sign a "behavioural agreement" form explaining a "no tolerance policy" with regard to racism, sexism, classism, ageism, homophobia, biphobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-religion and anti-atheism when asked to perform at a fundraising gig for UNICEF at SOAS, University of London. The form explained those topics were not banned, but stated the topics should be discussed in a "respectful and non-abusive way" andpresented in a way that is "respectful and kind".
After Kisin refused to agree to those terms and chose not to perform, the UNICEF on Campus society at SOAS apologised and clarified they did not wish to "impose that guests would have to agree to anything they do not believe in". The SOAS Students' Union said that it did not require external speakers to sign any contract before appearances, and that the UNICEF on Campus society had been "overzealous" in interpreting the guidelines.
Justifying his actions after it was revealed Kisin had agreed to similar restrictions for a different gig in 2017, he claimed he was "absolutely certain there was nothing about religion, atheism, respect or kindness in the rules [of the 2017 contract]. Had there been, I would not have agreed."