2013 Moore Oklahoma Tornado
Stanhope started a fundraiser for a woman and her family after her home was destroyed by the 2013 Moore tornadoon May 20, 2013. The victim of the tornado, Rebecca Vitzmun, gained
attention by the viral media, as well as criticism by Christians, after
stating in an interview that she was an atheist. Stanhope, along with Penn Jillette, Ricky Gervais, and others contributed and raised over $125,000 for the woman and her family. [16] [17] [18]
Stanhope stated "I didn't do it because I felt sympathy because she got
all her shit destroyed by a tornado. I did it simply to be a prick to
her Okie Christian neighbors, hoping they were all eating off their FEMA
trucks when someone drove up and presented Rebecca with a giant
cardboard check."[19]
Comedic style
Stanhope is infamous for his abrasive and dangerous approach tocomedy, which has been likened by his fans and contemporaries to the
works of Bill Hicks, George Carlin and Lenny Bruce. Stanhope mixes cringe comedy with political satire and grotesque imagery, the latter of which often leads to audience walkouts.
Many of Stanhope's colleagues, including Louis C.K., Sarah Silverman,
and Ricky Gervais have praised Stanhope as one of the best living
comedians.[20]
Much of the praise concerns the controversial nature of Stanhope's act,
with many saying that his fearlessness on stage is unrivaled.
