CENSORED

Netflix Removes Hasan Minhaj Episode in Saudi at Kingdom’s Request

The ‘Patriot Act’ episode critical of MBS is no longer available on Netflix in Saudi Arabia at the kingdom’s request.

Netflix confirmed on Tuesday that it has removed an episode of comedian Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act from its service in Saudi Arabia following a legal complaint from the kingdom that claimed it violates anti-cyber crime law. The second episode of Minhaj’s weekly show centered on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s alleged role in the killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It also took aim at Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, which the host called “the biggest tragedy of the MBS era.” A Netflix spokesperson told The Daily Beast, “We strongly support artistic freedom worldwide and removed this episode only in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request—and to comply with local law.” The episode can still be accessed in its entirely on YouTube where it has been viewed more than 1.2 million times.

PATRIOT ACT

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Matt Wilstein