Mike Ward jokes were not about Jrmy Gabriel's disability, lawyer says

The lawyer forQuebeccomedian Mike Ward is arguing jokes made about Jrmy Gabriel were not about the teenager's disability.

In his closing arguments beforethe province's human rights tribunal today, Julius Grey said the comedy bitwas in fact about his personal appearance and singing ability.

He called Ward's comedy "dark humour"and said he liked to speak out about taboos, arguing that the human rights case represented an affront to freedom of expression.

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Wardis the subject of a 2012 complaint to the tribunalafter Ward ridiculed Jrmy Gabriel in his comedy show,Mike Wards'eXpose.

Gabriel, who is now 19, became well-known in Quebec afterhe was flown to Rome to sing for Pope Benedict in 2006.

He has Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic conditionthat causes disfigurement.In the comedybit, Ward saidat first he was happyGabrielwas getting so much attention following thepapal visit.

"But now, five years later, and he's still not dead! ... Me, I defended him, like an idiot, and he won't die!" Ward said.

Discrimination versus freedom of expression

Earlier Friday, Gabriel's lawyerMarie Dominique argued thecase was about discrimination.She said there was a difference between making fun of a public figure and making fun of a child with a disability.

Dominique said Ward's jokes reinforced stereotypes of people with disabilities.

In his testimony earlier in the week,GabrielsaidWard went too far in his jokes about him. He said the jokes hurthis confidence and his career andledto intimidation at his school.

"It was horrible during all those years to endure, to be a teen, to be a successful artist, with all those comments, with all those laughs,"Gabriel testified.

"So Iwanted to saythat it's not acceptable for me and for my family. And I think for the entire society too."

A decision on this case isn't expected for at least five months.