Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani has vowed to intensify his comedic critique of US President Donald Trump, following the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” by CBS. Jobrani, a frequent guest on Colbert’s show, perceives the cancellation as an attempt to stifle free speech in America.
Jobrani’s comments come in the wake of CBS’s decision to end “The Late Show,” which has been a staple of late-night television since its inception with David Letterman in 1993. The network’s parent company, Paramount, insists the cancellation was a financial decision, while President Trump has denied any involvement. However, the timing of the cancellation, following Colbert’s criticism of Paramount’s $16 million legal settlement with Trump, has raised eyebrows.
The cancellation coincided with Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media, a deal approved by the Trump administration. Jobrani, who recently spoke to ABC News in Melbourne, believes the timing is no coincidence. “I love Colbert — I get my news from Colbert — he makes the news fun,” Jobrani remarked, emphasizing his belief in the political motivations behind the show’s end.
Comedy as a Tool for Resistance
Jobrani, known for his sharp wit and political satire, has long used comedy to critique Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration. “I knew that Trump was going to come after the late-night talk show host, but I didn’t think it would be this way,” Jobrani said. He expressed concern over what he perceives as Trump’s inability to handle humor, likening it to the traits of a dictatorship.
Since the announcement of the show’s cancellation, there has been significant discourse in the US entertainment industry about the potential for increased censorship under the Trump administration. Jobrani has joined forces with other prominent figures in entertainment to support Colbert and advocate for free speech.
“The job of the comedian is to reveal the emperor has no clothes. I think we need to keep doing that — if we don’t, we’re going to lose our democracy,” Jobrani stated, urging his peers to continue their satirical critiques.
A Personal and Professional Journey
Jobrani’s journey from Iran to the US in 1978, just before the fall of Iran’s Shah, has deeply influenced his comedic style. Growing up in California, he often faced challenges as an Iranian immigrant, experiences that have become a rich source of material for his comedy.
Despite his parents’ hopes for a career in medicine or law, Jobrani pursued comedy, becoming a trailblazer for Iranian-American entertainers. His work has paved the way for a new generation of comedians from similar backgrounds, including Tehran Ghasri, who joined him on his recent Australian tour.
“Comedy is part of the Iranian heritage,” Ghasri told ABC News, highlighting the importance of representation in the arts. Jobrani’s career, which took off in the post-9/11 era, has been instrumental in showcasing Iranian culture in a positive light.
Comedy’s Role in Social Change
Jobrani has been an active voice in diaspora activism, particularly following the #Women, Life, Freedom protests in Iran. He believes comedy can be a powerful tool in humanizing diverse communities and countering rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
“I think that comedy can counter hate,” Jobrani explained. “When I do a show, I have people from all backgrounds, all religions in the room, we’re laughing together and we’re humanizing each other.”
Jobrani’s commitment to using humor as a means of social commentary and resistance remains unwavering. As he continues to challenge political figures through his comedy, he embodies the enduring power of satire in advocating for free speech and democracy.
