Over the years, Hasan Minhaj has built a reputation as a comedian, highlighted by three Netflix specials. However, his comedic approach sparked controversy in September 2023 when criticism arose regarding certain elements of his stand-up routines.
Minhaj was accused of fabricating key details in his performances, particularly stories about facing racism as an Asian American Muslim and a harrowing incident where white powder spilled on his daughter.
These claims were brought to light through The New Yorker, which interviewed more than 20 individuals to investigate the authenticity of his stories.
Minhaj faced backlash over accusations of fabricating elements in his stand-up routines
In response, Minhaj argued that the publication misinterpreted his artistic style. He clarified that while he amplifies events for comedic purposes, they are rooted in real experiences.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Minhaj explained that hyperbole, name changes, and timeline adjustments are standard tools in stand-up comedy.
Comparing his craft to a haunted house experience, he emphasized that the aim is to evoke emotions, not strict factuality. He maintained that his storytelling reflects personal truths, just presented with comedic flair.
On October 22, 2024, nearly a year after the controversy, Minhaj released his third Netflix special, Off With His Head. During the set, he addressed the accusations, reflecting on how the scandal impacted his public image and career.
The article from The New Yorker specifically questioned three major stories from Minhaj’s previous specials. One tale involved an FBI agent, “Brother Eric,” infiltrating a mosque Minhaj attended. Another centered on his daughter, where a letter with white powder, mistaken for anthrax, was said to have spilled on her.
In a 2017 special, Minhaj also recounted being rejected by a prom date due to his race, only to later reveal that events didn’t come to light exactly as described in his performance.
Minhaj acknowledged some elements were dramatized but insisted the stories were built on emotional truths. For instance, while “Brother Eric” did not operate in the area where Minhaj grew up, he said his story stemmed from actual profiling by other individuals he believed to be undercover officers.
Similarly, the anthrax scare was exaggerated, though the letter was real, and he did joke to his wife about the possibility of it containing anthrax.
In defense of his prom story, Minhaj claimed he re-created the scene for emotional impact, and even provided email exchanges to The New Yorker to support his claims. However, he expressed frustration that key context had been excluded from the article, leading to public misunderstanding.
When confronted about whether his comedy manipulated the audience, Minhaj rejected the notion, asserting that his fans understand the balance between humor and storytelling. He emphasized that he never intended to deceive but sought to engage audiences through emotional experiences.
Following Minhaj’s video rebuttal, The New Yorker responded by standing firmly behind its reporting. The publication clarified that their investigation included accounts from former colleagues, security team members, and individuals involved in his anecdotes, affirming that their work was thoroughly fact-checked.
Despite the backlash, Minhaj continued pursuing other projects. However, he admitted the controversy cost him the chance to host The Daily Show, a role that instead went back to Jon Stewart. Reflecting on the situation during a Netflix comedy festival in 2024, Minhaj joked about how his mishap led to Stewart’s return, humorously taking credit for saving the show.
In his latest special, Minhaj addressed the scandal with a mix of humor and frustration. He downplayed the controversy, calling it “dorky,” and noted that his offense amounted to embellishing stories—something he likened to common exaggerations told during family gatherings.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times ahead of the special’s release, Minhaj said he felt a responsibility to mention the scandal in his performance, though it didn’t change his creative process.
He explained that his earlier public statement and detailed video response had already laid out his side, providing context and evidence to clear up misconceptions. With that chapter behind him, Minhaj expressed relief at being able to focus on the new special as a standalone work, free from the weight of past controversies.
