Organisers of a controversial dwarf wrestling event are suing some venues which backed out of hosting the show, according to reports.

The Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling Show had been due to take place in Leicester, Dorset and Devizes as part of a UK tour, but the venues cancelled after public criticism.

The Restricted Growth Association described it as a "freak show" that was "primarily about encouraging audiences to laugh at people with dwarfism and the spectacle of violence against dwarf bodies as entertainment for average height people".

One of the venues, Leicester's Morningside Arena, tweeted at the time: "We pride ourselves in being an inclusive venue, that welcomes performers and guests from all backgrounds, with or without disabilities, and are keen that any athlete or performer has an equal opportunity to perform and earn a living.

"However, due to the tone of promotion for the forthcoming Dwarfanators Professional Wrestling show it has been decided that we will be unable to host the event."


The Corn Exchange in Devizes said: "Since taking the booking, it has become clear many members of the dwarf community are subjected to higher than average levels of abuse and personal attack.

"Given the nature of the event, it is difficult to see how it would not suggest a level of credibility to the behaviour which is shown towards members of the dwarf community and this is not something we as a venue can be associated with, however unintended."

The third venue was the Ferndown Leisure Centre in Dorset.

On Facebook, Dwarfanators responded: "Dwarfanators, a pro show with people with dwarfism, is being discriminated against because of our size.

"The RGA a lobbyist group from the England is trying to get our shows cancelled because they feel people with dwarfism cannot compete in a pro wrestling sport.

"They have called us despicable, side show, freak show, Victorian, and grotesque show."

On Saturday a report said that event organiser Center Stage Entertainment was suing the venues alleging discrimination.

The company was also said to be taking action against the RGA, alleging they made false claims.

Three letters of complaint have been written to the venues and the RGA giving them the chance to respond and come to an agreement out of court, according to the BBC.

Shows are still due to go ahead in Cardiff, Torquay, Swansea and Liverpool in October.