US comedian alleges censorship after shows axed; IMDA cites late application

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.

- Clement Yong

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 11:57 pm—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.