Comedian Richard Herring has raised more than £100,000 for charity by spending International Women’s Day winding up disgruntled men on Twitter.
The former Fist Of Fun star continued his annual tradition of replying to every man who tweets “when is International Men’s Day?” with the answer – November 19.
This year he stumped up cash for his hours of toil and smashed a £100,000 target for domestic violence support charity Refuge.
Didn’t even cry. I am released. Thanks so much. pic.twitter.com/sBmyMfgjbK
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2018
During the day-long information drive, he suggested that complaining about International Men’s Day on International Women’s Day was like complaining it was not your birthday during someone else’s celebrations.
He wrote: “Happy Birthday to everyone whose birthday it is today. Don’t want to spoil your day by making this all about me, but seriously, when is it my birthday?”
He also pointed out that when November 19 arrived, few men seemed that concerned.
This only becomes really impossible when America lights up in the morning https://t.co/XV522ImcQR
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2018
November 19th – I won’t forget my pussy hat https://t.co/MJwEE4wwMf
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2018
He wrote on a JustGiving page: “I do this so that everyone else can get on with celebrating International Women’s Day and using it to raise awareness of the issues that affect women. And trying to achieve equality.”
He added: “But if you think about it equality works both ways. So if you think men don’t get equality in some areas, then striving for equality will help them too.”
Nov 19th, I’all am pressed for all that. https://t.co/XZkk69iOC3
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2018
You’re wrong. you are going to be so happy.There is one. Nov 19. What are we going to do to celebrate? https://t.co/E2XrJCRC3Y
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 8, 2018
He added: “It’s really just a bit of fun to point out how unoriginal people are being and also answer the question that they don’t expect has an answer. The answer is November 19. But as the number of people asking never seems to decrease it’s a busy day for me.
“I thought this year it would be nice if we raised some money along the way, to turn stupid or negative comments by people who don’t understand how to Google into something that will be positive and helpful.”
As he neared his £100,000 triumph, he wrote on Twitter: “Raising £100,000 releases me from the curse. Then I can go out with my wife and celebrate the wonder of women, rather than ponder on the stupidity of men (and also some women)”.