Bassem Youssef, Egyptian Comedian, On Hosting Arab Band Mashrou Leila With Gay Singer

'Egypt's Jon Stewart' Sparks Controversy After Hosting Arab Band With Openly Gay Frontman

Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef discussed his decision to host an openly gay performer on his "El Bernameg" satirical news program.

Of his experience with Mashrou Leila, which is lead by gay frontman Hamed Sinno, Youssef recalled, "I heard their songs and I didn't ask about his orientation ... Did we discuss [his] being openly gay on the show? We didn't."

Youssef, who has since been accused of insulting religion by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, went on to add, "They will just try to dig up anything to...alienate you in front of the people."

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Wentworth Miller, 2013

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