Actor and comedian Jeremy Piven has given Perth a very crass moniker following his recent stop in WA.
Actor Jeremy Piven, renowned for his role as Ari Gold in HBO’s acclaimed series *Entourage*, stirred controversy during his recent visit to Australia by labeling Perth the “meth capital of Australia.” Piven made these remarks while attending the premiere of his latest film, *Primitive War*, in Sydney on August 6, 2023.
During a discussion with *Daily Mail*, Piven was asked to share his favorite place in Australia after an extensive tour for his stand-up comedy show. His comments quickly took a sharp turn, focusing on his experience in Perth. “In the middle of my tour, we headed over to Perth, which is the meth capital of Australia… I don’t know if you know that,” he stated. He humorously suggested renaming Perth as “Merth” in the spirit of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite the initial negative remarks, Piven later softened his tone, revealing a more positive experience. “The reality is, I went to a cigar bar called The Social Club there and it was one of the best cigar lounges I’ve ever been to in my life,” he added. This reference likely pertained to Cigar Social, a private lounge located in West Perth. When approached for comment, Cigar Social opted not to confirm or deny Piven’s visit.
Reflections on a Successful Tour
Piven also took the opportunity to reflect on his stand-up tour across Australia, expressing gratitude for the warm receptions he received at various venues. “Every stop that I had, whether it was the Enmore Theatre here in Sydney or going to Melbourne and playing Hamer Hall, they were some of the best times I’ve ever had in my life,” he commented. “Sold-out houses… It was just incredible. I loved it.”
The tour included performances in major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, culminating in a successful run that drew enthusiastic crowds.
Piven stars in *Primitive War*, a horror film set during the Vietnam War, alongside Australian actor Ryan Kwanten and Canadian actress Tricia Helfer. The film was shot in the lush jungles of the Gold Coast and marks another entry in Piven’s expanding filmography in Australia, following his work in *Numbered Lives*, a thriller filmed in South Australia that was released nationally earlier this month.
As Piven continues to engage with audiences both on stage and on screen, his candid remarks about Perth’s reputation, along with his reflections on his tour, highlight the complexities of celebrity interactions with local cultures.
