Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has dropped advertisements for an event in Minnesota starring prominent psychologist and author Jordan Peterson.
The Current, an alternative radio station that is part of MPR, had been reading ads publicizing Peterson’s “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life Tour,” set to take place the evenings of Feb. 7 and 8 at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.
Peterson’s speaking tour is an effort to promote his 2021 book “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life,” which is a follow-up to his best-selling 2018 book “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos.”
The Canadian clinical psychologist and professor became a high-profile figure in 2016 over his opposition to gender ideology, a stance that drew praise from many conservatives and criticism from many liberals.
Last week several individuals tagged the Twitter accounts of MPR or The Current in posts calling on them to “explain” why they were running ads for Peterson’s event.
Um, what’s the deal?! @TheCurrent https://t.co/QGreeYWMkW
— Patrick Stephenson (@patiomensch) January 20, 2023
Care to explain? https://t.co/8CVZ8orCZC
— Soup for my Family 🥣 🧦 🤖🫐 (@soupformy_fam) January 20, 2023
Don't host ads like this, @MPR. https://t.co/1CWUXPUfGm
— Michael Busch (@michael_w_busch) January 19, 2023
@MPR I understand that @hennepintheatre is a sponsor, but your commercial for Jordan Peterson last night was troubling. Might need to reconsider my sustaining membership. https://t.co/Mg8Mbjg9wW
— Michael Walker (@micwalker) January 20, 2023
In each case, the official MPR account responded to the complaints by saying “the underwriting message is no longer live and has been removed,” and encouraged the individuals to reach out if they had “additional perspective or questions.”
MPR did not respond to Alpha News’ request for comment.
Tickets for Peterson’s event are currently being sold for $39.50 to $114, according to the event page on the Hennepin Theatre Trust website.
Each event is also offering two separate VIP packages, with the cheapest one including a premium seat ticket and a piece of merchandise autographed by Peterson. The most expensive package also includes a meet and greet with Peterson, a professional photo with Peterson, early entry into the event, and a commemorative VIP laminate.
Evan Stambaugh
Evan Stambaugh is a freelance writer who had previously been a sports blogger. He has a BA in theology and an MA in philosophy.
