Stephanie Kercher, sister of Meredith Kercher, has criticised a solo comedy show by Amanda Knox, who was convicted and later acquitted of her British roommate's murder in Italy in 2007. The show, titled "Cartwheel", is set to be staged next week at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Addressing Ms Knox directly on BBC Breakfast, Ms Kercher said: "What I would say [to Knox] is to think about the family here, think about her friends and to turn the tables if it was your sister that this had happened to, because I know you have a sister as well." A spokesperson for Ms Knox stated that the show honours Ms Kercher's memory.
Ms Knox told The Telegraph that she does not joke about Meredith Kercher's death but about her own vilification. When asked if Meredith Kercher would find her comedy funny, Ms Knox responded, "Yeah, I think so. I mean, it is funny!". Stephanie Kercher countered this, telling the BBC, "Meredith absolutely wouldn't find these topics of any comedy value."
A petition against the show, initiated by a friend of Meredith Kercher, has received over 1,500 signatures. The petition claims the show disrespects Ms Kercher's memory and risks normalising violence against women. Stephanie Kercher urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to investigate the issue and expressed a desire to meet him.
The venue for the show, the Gilded Balloon Teviot, stated that the Edinburgh Festival Fringe offers a platform for diverse voices, aligning with its commitment to freedom of expression.