Egyptian-American comedian and television host Bassem Youssef poses for a photo during an exclusive interview in Washington DC, USA, on February 15, 2023. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Bassem Youssef’s X-account was deactivated on Monday, sparking criticism of the social media platform, which was accused of “censorship” over the Egyptian-American comedian’s pro-Palestinian views.
Supporters posted a screenshot of Youssef’s last tweet, in which he sharply denounced the equation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism and the targeted attacks on pro-Palestinian activists.
“Anti-Semitism was an accusation that made people’s blood run cold. I see many people now realizing how this fear tactic is used to shut down conversations and scare people,” Youssef reportedly wrote on X, where he has over 11 million followers.
“It’s been overused and abused to intimidate people. Are you still afraid of being called an anti-Semite by these Zionists? Vote and tell me in the comments. No, I don’t care anymore. Or: Yes, I’m still afraid.”
Shortly after posting this tweet, Youssef’s account was blocked, although The new Arab It cannot be verified whether there is a connection between the two events.
X users demanded the return of Youssef’s account following allegations of pro-Israel bias regarding the social media platform accounts of entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has repeatedly stressed his commitment to free speech.
“Bassem Youssef’s @X account has been deleted! Where is freedom of speech, Elon Musk?” wrote Yemeni journalist Ahmad Algohbary in a post.
“Bassem Youssef’s account was deleted because he stood up for the Palestinians. After Facebook and Instagram, it is now Elon Musk’s X that is putting an end to free speech,” claimed former Dutch politician Joram van Klaveren.
Bassem Youssef’s last tweet before his account was suspended.https://t.co/iFjknvf0Zr https://t.co/EjnOan05qi pic.twitter.com/vkjj7HdQlC
— Ala’a (@byAlaaS) 19 August 2024
Many also accused Musk of applying double standards on the issue: accounts spreading pro-Palestinian content were blocked, while others spreading hate speech and disinformation – including far-right activist Tommy Robinson – were allowed back on X.
Musk has shared memes and rhetoric about multiculturalism and illegal immigration, some of which has been labeled fake news by experts and governments, and interacted with far-right accounts. The South African businessman has also supported Donald Trump for US president and met with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of his war on Gaza.
In the meantime, Youssef has not yet made a statement directly addressing the disappearance of his X account.
“How do you know you’re pissing off the Zionists? When they’re whining, moaning and whining on your timeline and can’t do anything but scream ‘Wrong’… or use the word ‘anti-Semitic’ for everything because they have nothing else to say,” Youssef wrote on Instagram and Facebook on Monday.
“Make someone else feel guilty. Your methods will become old and boring.”
Considered one of the most influential Arab figures in the world, Youssef is also known for his advocacy for Palestinian rights, particularly following the Israeli military offensive against Gaza, which has killed over 40,000 Palestinians since October 7.
Following his viral appearance on Piers Morgan’s show last October, Youssef gained further momentum with his outspoken criticism of Israel’s Palestinian policy.
The new Arab has asked Youssef and X for comment.
