Hasan Minhaj reflects on the fallout from his joke controversy

A candid conversation with Jon Stewart

In a recent interview with Esquire, comedian Hasan Minhaj opened up about a pivotal moment in his career. Minhaj, who was in line to host Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” found himself at the center of a controversy that ultimately cost him the job. The scandal erupted after a profile in The New Yorker fact-checked some of Minhaj’s jokes, revealing that he had embellished several stories in his stand-up routines.

Minhaj confirmed to Esquire that he was set to take over “The Daily Show,” saying, “We were in talks, and I had the gig, and we were pretty much good to go.” However, the backlash from the revelations led to the opportunity slipping away. “That’s part of showbiz,” Minhaj remarked.

Support from fellow comedians

In the wake of the controversy, Minhaj found solace in conversations with fellow comedians and mentors. He mentioned that Mike Birbiglia, Ramy Youssef, John Mulaney, and Jon Stewart all reached out to offer their support. Minhaj recalled a particularly memorable conversation with Stewart, who expressed his frustration over the situation. “I remember Jon [Stewart] called, and he said, ‘Why the fuck are they doing this? And who does this benefit?’” Minhaj shared.

The comedian admitted that the backlash was a painful experience. “It was the first time I saw the speed and velocity of the internet, how quickly a story can take off. That part of it was very new to me and disorienting,” he said.

The personal toll

Minhaj also spoke about the impact the controversy had on his family. “The most painful thing is my wife and my parents,” he said. “To see them hurt, to see them engage with ‘So I’m reading on the internet…’—that is so painful. I’m the eldest. I feel really, really sad that I let my parents down…I’m very lucky that they got to see many beautiful highs of my career. Watching them experience a painful moment, an embarrassing moment in your career, I wish I didn’t put them through that. That’s the tough part.”

The aftermath and industry response

In August 2023, it was reported that Minhaj had emerged as a frontrunner to take over “The Daily Show” following Trevor Noah’s departure. Minhaj was one of several guest hosts who filled in after Noah’s exit as Comedy Central executives searched for a permanent host. However, the New Yorker interview published in September 2023, and by later that month, it was reported that Comedy Central was opening up the search beyond Minhaj in the wake of the backlash against him.

In a statement made shortly after the story’s publication, Minhaj defended his approach to stand-up comedy. “All my standup stories are based on events that happened to me … I use the tools of standup comedy — hyperbole, changing names and locations and compressing timelines to tell entertaining stories. That’s inherent to the art form. You wouldn’t go to a haunted house and say ‘Why are these people lying to me?’ — The point is the ride. Standup is the same.”

A deeper look at the art of stand-up

Stand-up comedy has always been a unique blend of truth and exaggeration. Comedians often use hyperbole and creative storytelling to engage their audience and deliver their message. This approach is not new; it’s a fundamental aspect of the art form. The controversy surrounding Minhaj’s jokes highlights the delicate balance comedians must strike between authenticity and entertainment.

The industry has seen similar debates in the past, where the line between fact and fiction in comedy is scrutinized. This incident serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of comedy and the increasing importance of transparency and accountability.

Moving forward

Despite the setback, Minhaj remains a prominent figure in the comedy world. His ability to blend humor with social and political commentary has earned him a dedicated following. As the industry continues to evolve, Minhaj’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for both comedians and audiences about the complexities of storytelling in stand-up comedy.

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