Following allegations by US comedian Sammy K. Obeid that his 31 August Singapore shows were cancelled due to censorship, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has firmly denied the claim.
In a statement issued on 28 August 2025, IMDA clarified that the licence application for Obeid’s performances at Victoria Theatre was submitted late and therefore could not be processed.
According to IMDA, the event’s local representative submitted the licence application on 15 August — just 10 working days before the scheduled shows. Regulations require at least 40 working days for processing.
IMDA added that the organiser was informed on 19 August that the late submission could not be accepted. The decision was reiterated on 25 August both in writing and via phone call.
“Arts Entertainment Licence applications are required to be submitted at least 40 working days before the event, to allow sufficient time for applications to be processed or advisories to be included in publicity materials and advertisements,” IMDA said.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Obeid claimed his script was rejected twice and that he was told to remove references to the Gaza conflict and other sensitive topics.
Obeid said his set is “almost entirely focused on the ongoing genocide in Gaza” and that he had expected his material to face pushback from Singapore’s authorities.
“I was willing to tone down my material so that there would be a show for the people,” Obeid wrote, adding that he submitted a “heavily censored script” in hopes of getting approval.
According to Obeid:
- His first script contained minimal references to Palestine and Israel but was rejected after “weeks of waiting.”
- He was instructed to remove all mentions of Palestine, Israel, and two calls to action.
- He “completely caved” and made the requested edits, but his second script was also rejected.
- Portions of his audience-engagement notes were also flagged.
Obeid claimed he was eventually informed that there was insufficient time for another revision and that authorities were concerned about what he might say on stage.
IMDA: No script edits were requested
IMDA categorically denied these claims.
“At no time were ‘multiple edits’ requested. We are also not aware of past applications for Mr Obeid to perform in Singapore and discussions on scripts.”
The agency explained that stand-up comedy is treated as an unscripted performance.
Applicants are therefore required to submit only a synopsis and a recording of a similar show, not a detailed script.
It added that the local representative handling Obeid’s application had a record of late filings.
“This was the local representative’s fourth late application since May 2024,” IMDA said, describing her as “an experienced licence applicant aware of IMDA’s submission timelines.”
The Online Citizen has contacted Obeid seeking his response to IMDA’s statement, including who submitted the licence application, whether his organiser asked him to review the script, and if he plans to take action against the organiser for the show’s cancellation.
Spotlight shifts to the “experienced licence applicant”
After IMDA’s clarification, much of the public discourse shifted towards the organiser’s role.
Netizens began questioning whether Obeid’s censorship allegations stemmed from “self-censorship” imposed by the organiser, rather than directives from IMDA.
Some speculated that the organiser may have delayed the application or pre-emptively reviewed Obeid’s scripts against perceived policy guidelines, which may have fuelled his claims.
Mixed reactions from the public
On social media, Obeid received strong support from fans. Many commended his efforts to adjust his material within Singapore’s strict parameters and praised his integrity for attempting to balance creative expression with regulatory compliance.
Some Singaporean fans apologised to Obeid, expressing regret that authorities, not audiences, were “not ready” for his art. Others highlighted their own frustrations with censorship in Singapore, calling for greater creative freedom.
Meanwhile, some commenters ridiculed the situation, suggesting Obeid consult veteran Singaporean comedian Kumar, who has long performed controversial material while navigating regulations successfully.
Regional interest in Obeid’s shows
Beyond Singapore, Obeid’s supporters in Malaysia and Indonesia invited him to perform in their countries instead.
Others proposed he hold a show in Johor Bahru, which would allow Singaporean fans to attend over the weekend.
Several commenters also emphasised that Obeid uses satire to highlight issues such as the Gaza conflict, apartheid, and occupation, arguing that humour is a way to raise awareness where facts alone might be ignored.
Obeid has apologised for the cancellation and pledged to issue refunds to ticket holders. “At the very least, I will be contacting everyone about refunds and what I can offer at this point,” he wrote.
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