A former heart surgeon, Bassem Youssef posted satirical YouTube clips during the violent 2011 uprising in Egypt. He was eventually offered his own TV show, “The Program”, which is viewed by an average of 30 million people on TV, and averages 2.5 million views on YouTube.
To fans of controversial Egyptian comedian and TV host Bassem Youssef, he's "a pioneer" and "one of the funniest guys in Cairo." To his critics, he's insults Islam.
Youssef says he’s “just the host of a political satire show” who appeals to people seeking controversy and “a good laugh.”
In fact, he says, perhaps his critics should be thanked for the additional ratings: "It seems they are watching my show more than anybody."
In one episode he sang to a heart-shaped pillow bearing Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi’s face, and in several others he relied on sexual innuendos to get laughs. Although some have taken offense,
One of his fans, 21-year-old student Mohammed Barakat, said Youssef is just saying “what we all want to say. Every Friday everyone sits with their family to watch The Program’ … It’s a way to escape all the problems and make fun of what’s going on”.
But President Morsi isn’t laughing. When asked in January if Youssef and other critics need to worry about going to jail, Egyptian President Morsi told CNN, “They are Egyptians, they are part of my family in Egypt, there is no way any harm can befall them because of their opinions or their personal opposition. I pledge to uphold freedom of expression.”
Yet, Egypt’s top prosecutor issued an arrest warrant, accusing Bassem Youssef of insulting Morsi and Islam. Youssef turned himself in and then was released on bail after being interrogated.
Later, several legal complaints filed by Morsi supporters. Sayed Hamad, a lawyer who filed one of those complaints, said Youssef’s show is “shattering all our values and ethics.”
On Monday, the prosecutor general accused Youssef and his TV station’s CEO with disturbing the peace. With so many admirers of the show, any decision to punish Youssef will likely be met with public outcry.
Youssef could be called back into the general prosecutor's office for questioning, or referred to trial. However, he isn’t bending to political pressure. If things escalate and he’s forced to leave the country, he says “he’ll do so with a broken heart.”
edited from NBCNews
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