Bassem Youssef, whose show was once the most watched television segment in Egypt, has become the first Arab and Egyptian to host the International Emmys. During his opening speech, Bassem Youssef took a moment to acknowledge that the “world is still in a state of trauma” after the tragic events in Paris, Mali, Beirut, Nigeria, Kenya and the Sinai. “It is brutal, it is horrible and it is unfair. But when people get together to celebrate art and creativity, and the best of what the human race can aspire to, we find our capacity to heal and to grow,” said Bassem Youssef. “I like to think that me being here is a part of that healing. The Academy chose me, an Arab Muslim, to host this event months ago. When we laugh, they lose. When we laugh, and do what we do here tonight, those evil bastards lose.” The host then went on to insult terrorists in Arabic, joking that censors would not beep out Arabic. Bassem’s history Bassem Youssef, known as the ‘Jon Stewart of the Arab World’, had been announced as the host of the International Emmy Awards…
‘When We Laugh, Those Evil Bastards Lose’: Bassem Youssef Hosts International Emmys
November 26, 2015
