Hasan Minhaj has spoken out after Netflix removed an episode of his comedy show from its streaming service in Saudi Arabia — and says the move will only make people want to watch it more.
After word spread Tuesday that Netflix had, at Saudi Arabia’s request, pulled an episode of Minhaj’s show, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, the comedian wrote on Twitter that the decision has made people even more interested in it.
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“Clearly, the best way to stop people from watching something is to ban it, make it trend online, and then leave it up on Youtube,” Minhaj wrote.
He then used his platform to call attention to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and asked for donations to the International Rescue Committee.
Saudi Arabia had asked Netflix to remove the show because it allegedly violated the country’s cyber crimes law, the Financial Times reported. In the episode, Minhaj criticized Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their handling of the conflict in Yemen, the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and other alleged misconduct.
Write to Tara Law at [email protected].
wellshire on January 3rd, 2019 at 00:22 UTC »
"Haha Mr. Minhaj, very good joke! Also we thought maybe you could come to one of our embassies to have some pizza, maybe sign a marriage license or two?"
D_O_I_F on January 2nd, 2019 at 23:08 UTC »
If I were Hasan I wouldn't make any visits to S.A anytime soon... Or ever after this...
nomorenomore111 on January 2nd, 2019 at 22:37 UTC »
Here is the full episode on youtube. https://youtu.be/LUhbZdvtzcw?t=00
Edit: here is Hassan Minhaj's official tweet. He used this opportunity to talk about the Yemeni crisis and how you can help.