SINGAPORE – Two shows at Victoria Theatre by Lebanese-Palestinian American comedian Sammy Obeid on Aug 31 have been abruptly cancelled after the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) refused to issue them permits.

The fallout has elicited two contrasting accounts, with Obeid alleging censorship over elements in his script that critiqued the Gaza crisis. In a 20-slide Instagram post on Aug 27 evening, he described multiple rounds of script editing between him and the regulatory authority, apologising for the cancellation of what he said was planned as “the biggest show of (his Asia) tour”.

But IMDA, in a statement on Aug 28, said it never requested edits of the script. Rather, it rejected the show because the application from Obeid’s local representative came much too late on Aug 15, at 11.57pm – 10 working days before the comedian was due to perform. Applications must be submitted at least 40 working days prior to the performance.

It is unclear why Obeid chose to submit a script and who made the edits. Unlike scripted plays, stand-up comedy is categorised as unscripted performances under the IMDA’s framework.

Performers are typically required to submit a synopsis and a video recording of the performance rehearsal or one of a similar show that they have performed, rather than a fully-realised script from which performers are not allowed to deviate.

“At no time were ‘multiple edits’ requested,” the authority said. “IMDA would also like to point out that this was the local representative’s fourth late application since May 2024.”

It is unclear who the applicant for Obeid’s act is. IMDA described her as “an experienced licence applicant and an individual who is aware of IMDA’s submission timelines”.

IMDA also said it informed the applicant on Aug 19 via e-mail that the late application could not be processed, a verdict which was then reiterated to her on Aug 25 through a call and in writing.

In his account, Obeid said he was told there was no longer time to revise the script for re-submission five days before the show.

An arts entertainment licence is required for a wide range of public performances in Singapore, including theatre, dance, art exhibitions, literary readings and stand-up comedies. IMDA is the designated authority for this process, and has the power to request alterations to scripts before they are approved.

The comedian, mathematician and host of American Netflix documentary series 100 Humans (2023) had been booked for two shows at the 614-seat Victoria Theatre for 6pm and 8.30pm on Aug 31, and had apparently sold more than 1,000 tickets.

He is currently searching for another way to offer a replacement event, possibly in Johor Bahru, and said he would be contacting those who bought tickets about refunds “and what I can offer at this point”.

In his post, which has attracted more than 1,500 comments of support from fans and criticism of Singapore’s handling of the conflict, and “liked” by over 42,000 users, Obeid gave a drastically different account from that presented by the authorities.

In his own words, his current set is “almost entirely focused on the ongoing genocide in Gaza”, though he made sure to tone it down.

As a precaution, he also made it a point to intentionally work with experienced people who knew the process of paperwork and obtaining licences correctly.

The first script he said he submitted was a 10-page, “heavily censored script” that referenced Palestine a few times and mentioned Israel just once.

But after waiting for “weeks and weeks”, the authorities supposedly got back to him to completely remove all mentions of Palestine and Israel, as well as his exhortations for his audience to speak up about Gaza and donate their time to help those who were suffering.

He obliged, following up with a second script that still buried “subtle cryptic messages in my squeaky clean jokes”. These include “I hate my job. Don’t occupations suck?” and “My favourite fruit is watermelons, but they’re so expensive – don’t you think they should just be free?”

This was once more rejected, he said, further alleging that the authorities also took issue with the unscripted bits where he inserted cues for crowdwork. “If you bought tickets and planned your entire weekend around seeing this show – I am beyond sorry. I planned my whole tour of Asia around this specific event,” he said.

The comedian’s Asia tour will take him to 11 cities – excluding Singapore – in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

The last kerfuffle over censorship and licensing restrictions happened in June.

Wild Rice’s dramatised reading of house party play Homepar was pulled by IMDA

for allegedly undermining Singapore’s anti-drug stance and public confidence in the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Other performing artists who have expressed disgruntlement in 2025 over regulatory laws include actor Hossan Leong, whose musical A French Kiss in Singapore was given a ratings advisory for sexual content in April.

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