Authorities looking at 'further steps' after comedian Sammy Obeid's 'completely fictional' account of cancelled Singapore show: Edwin Tong

SINGAPORE: The authorities are considering "further steps" after American stand-up comedian Sammy Obeid gave a "fictional account" about a cancelled Singapore show, said Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong on Sunday (Aug 31).

Speaking to the media while visiting Siglap South Community Centre, Mr Tong said that he "welcomed the opportunity" to set the record straight. 

"Mr Obeid has put up a completely fictional account of what transpired between him and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)," said Mr Tong.

"We take this seriously, and we're now looking at what further steps might be necessary following this."

On Wednesday, Mr Obeid alleged on Instagram that his script was rejected twice and that he was told to remove references to the conflict in Gaza, among other things. His post has since drawn over 49,000 likes and more than 6,000 shares.

He claimed his first script was rejected after "weeks and weeks" of waiting, despite having "erred on the side of caution" by only referencing Palestine a few times and mentioning Israel once.

According to him, he was then told to remove all mentions of Palestine and Israel, as well as two calls to action. He said he "completely caved" and made the edits.

Mr Obeid added that his second script was also rejected, and claimed that while he was prepared to revise again, he was told that there was deemed insufficient time for resubmission.

Mr Tong said on Sunday that IMDA did not request a single edit to the script and had no communication with Mr Obeid about it – a point he added was confirmed by the comedian's agent.

He also dismissed Mr Obeid's claims as untrue and said he could not explain why the comedian chose to present a false account.

Mr Obeid's application was rejected because it was submitted late, Mr Tong said, reiterating a clarification made by IMDA on Thursday.

"The facts are clear, and what happened is also clear. The rules say that license applications have to be submitted 40 working days to IMDA before a show is put up," said Mr Tong. 

"In this case, he applied on Aug 15 for a show on Aug 31. That's about 30 days late."

IMDA on Thursday also said that several allegations by Mr Obeid about the cancellation were "inaccurate".

It added that the event’s local representative – an experienced licence applicant – was informed on Aug 19 via email that the late application could not be processed. This was reiterated on Aug 25 through a call and in writing.

"The organiser had informed IMDA that she was unaware the comedian would make such claims and has emails and recordings showing she repeatedly reminded him the application was late and that no script edits were required," said an IMDA spokesperson on Sunday.

"She added the decision was based solely on timing and has been unable to reach him since his posts," the spokesperson added.

In a post on X late on Sunday, after Mr Tong made his comments, Mr Obeid denied lying.

He posted two videos of a phone call between himself and an unidentified person. In the second video, the person, speaking in what appeared to be a Singaporean accent, told Mr Obeid to "take out ... anything that has to do with Palestine and Israel".