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TERMS OF AGGRIEVEMENT

The New Yorker

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December 18, 2023

The Gen Z comedian Leo Reich blasts his elders-and himself.

- REBECCA MEAD

TERMS OF AGGRIEVEMENT

Leo Reich strode onstage to the thudding beat of Hot in It,” by Tiésto and Charli XCX. His batwing-lined eyes gleamed, and he was dressed in a contour-molding MISBHV T-shirt and a pair of black short shorts whose white piping outlined his crotch. Grabbing a microphone stand and casting a mockbashful look at the audience, he explained, I didn’t have any time to change. I had to, like, run here straight from my dad’s worst nightmare.” It was a mild September evening at Earth Hackney, a venue in East London, and Reich was performing his standup comedy show, Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?!” Shiny black zip-up boots endowed his steps with a peppy bounce. Td just like to introduce myself, for those of you who don't know me,” he said. m Leo. I’m queer.” There were whoops from the audience, and Reich approached several people who, perilously, had seats in the front row. Looking around, it seems like some of you guys’—he swept an arm in an arch gesture of inclusivity—‘“might a/so have a sexuality which is iconic.”

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