A US critic has sparked anger by suggesting that female comedians would be damaging their careers if they tell dirty jokes.
Variety.com writer Brian Lowry, while reviewing Sarah Silverman's upcoming HBO stand-up special 'We Are Miracles,' said that he was put off by the sight of a woman telling raunchy jokes, News.com.au reported.
Lowry said that despite all manner of career-friendly gifts - from her looks to solid acting chops - Silverman's limited herself by appearing determined to prove that she can be as dirty and distasteful as the boys.
He said that Silverman is never going to achieve mainstream success as her humour is more about shock-value rather than cleverness.
Australian comedienne Fiona O'Loughlin said that female comics should be able to dabble in the same jokes as men without critics turning up their noses.