US comedian Sammy Obeid claims censorship after shows cancelled; IMDA says application was late

SINGAPORE – Two shows at Victoria Theatre by Lebanese-Palestinian American comedian Sammy Obeid on Aug 31 have been abruptly cancelled after the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) refused to issue permits.

The fallout has elicited two contrasting accounts, with Obeid alleging censorship over elements in his script that critiqued the Gaza crisis. In a 20-slide Instagram post on the evening of Aug 27, he described multiple rounds of script editing between him and the regulatory authority, apologising for the cancellation of what he said was planned as “the biggest show of (his Asia) tour”.

IMDA, in a statement on Aug 28, said it never requested edits of the script. Rather, it rejected the show because the application from Obeid’s local representative came much too late on Aug 15 at 11.57pm – 10 working days before the comedian was due to perform. Applications must be submitted at least 40 working days prior to the performance.

It is unclear why Obeid chose to submit a script and who made the edits. Unlike scripted plays, stand-up comedy is categorised as unscripted performance under IMDA’s framework.

Performers are typically required to submit a synopsis and a video recording of the performance rehearsal or one of a similar show that they have performed, rather than a fully realised script from which they are not allowed to deviate.

“At no time were ‘multiple edits’ requested,” the authority said. “IMDA would also like to point out that this was the local representative’s fourth late application since May 2024.”

It is unclear who the applicant for Obeid’s act is. IMDA described her as “an experienced licence applicant and an individual who is aware of IMDA’s submission timelines”.

IMDA also said it informed the applicant on Aug 19 via e-mail that the late application could not be processed, a verdict that was reiterated to her on Aug 25 through a call and in writing.

In his account, Obeid said he was told there was no longer time to revise the script for re-submission five days before the show.

An arts entertainment licence is required for a wide range of public performances in Singapore, including theatre, dance, art exhibitions, literary readings and stand-up comedy. IMDA is the designated authority for this process, and has the power to request alterations to scripts before they are approved.

The comedian, mathematician and host of American Netflix documentary series 100 Humans (2023) had been booked for two shows in the 614-seat Victoria Theatre at 6pm and 8.30pm on Aug 31, and had apparently sold more than 1,000 tickets.

He is currently searching for a way to offer a replacement event, possibly in Johor Bahru, and has added shows in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

An e-mail has been sent to Singapore ticket holders informing them that they can exchange their tickets for tickets elsewhere.

In Obeid’s post, which has attracted more than 1,500 comments of support from fans and criticism of Singapore’s handling of the conflict, and has been “liked” by over 42,000 users, he gave a drastically different account from that presented by the authorities.

In his own words, his current set is “almost entirely focused on the ongoing genocide in Gaza”, though he made sure to tone it down.

As a precaution, he also made it a point to intentionally work with experienced people who knew the process of paperwork and obtaining licences correctly.

The first script he said he submitted was a 10-page “heavily censored script” that referenced Palestine a few times and mentioned Israel just once.

But after waiting for “weeks and weeks”, the authorities supposedly got back to him to completely remove all mentions of Palestine and Israel, as well as his exhortations for his audience to speak up about Gaza and donate their time to help those who were suffering.

He obliged, following up with a second script that still buried “subtle cryptic messages in my squeaky-clean jokes”. These included “I hate my job. Don’t occupations suck?” and “My favourite fruit is watermelons, but they’re so expensive – don’t you think they should just be free?”.

This was once more rejected, he said, further alleging that the authorities also took issue with the unscripted bits where he inserted cues for crowdwork. “If you bought tickets and planned your entire weekend around seeing this show – I am beyond sorry. I planned my whole tour of Asia around this specific event,” he said.

The comedian’s Asia tour will take him to 11 cities – excluding Singapore – in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

The last kerfuffle over censorship and licensing restrictions happened in June.

Wild Rice’s dramatised reading of house party play Homepar was pulled by IMDA

for allegedly undermining Singapore’s anti-drug stance and public confidence in the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Other performing artistes who have expressed disgruntlement in 2025 over regulatory laws include actor Hossan Leong, whose musical A French Kiss in Singapore was given a ratings advisory for sexual content in April.