Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef has canceled his show, citing the unsuitable climate in Egypt. Hounded by Morsi and military alike, he said that he was tired of “worrying about my safety and that of my family.”
“Egypt is witnessing its most glorious days of freedom – and I’ll cut off the tongue of anyone who says otherwise,” Youssef said, allowing himself a few parting shots at the news conference in the Cairo theater where his show was performed.
Youssef’s satirical show AlBernameg, or The Program, was broadcast on the Saudi-funded MBC network. The heart surgeon turned comedian said that the pressure on him, his family, and MBC had become too great.
“For the millionth time, I say this is supposed to be a comedy show,” he said Monday. “I am not a fighter or a warrior. I was just expressing my views once a week … but honestly, I am tired of struggling and worrying about my safety and that of my family.”
‘Climate now is not suitable for a comedy’
