Bassem Youssef Admits: I invented that Israel killed Charlie Kirk
It's one thing to lie through your teeth, but then to whitewash a bald faced lie as comedy, that's something else.
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Egyptian comedian and political satirist Bassem Youssef appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where he openly admitted to spreading a lie that Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were behind the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The interview aired yesterday. It began with Morgan challenging Youssef on his social media post implying Israel's involvement in Kirk's death. Youssef, known for his satirical takes on Middle Eastern politics, explained that he floated the idea because "it's the internet and I'm a comedian," emphasizing that consistent government lies create fertile ground for such theories. "If your government continues to lie to you consistently, this is where conspiracy theorists thrive," Youssef said. He added, "Call me a conspiracy theorist... I'm a clown."
Morgan pressed Youssef repeatedly, questioning why he would promote what he called a "mad conspiracy theory" about Israel. "You want the right to suggest that Charlie Kirk was the subject of a hit job by Israel. You want the world to think that," Morgan stated, expressing frustration over Youssef's apparent bias. Youssef responded by clarifying, "I'm not blindly hateful of Israel. I'm actually eyes wide open hateful of Israel," while admitting he may have "lost my mind" in referencing unverified claims like the Hannibal directive in past discussions.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent pro-Israel voice in conservative circles, was assassinated in a shocking incident that has intensified debates over political violence and online radicalization. The FBI has identified the suspect but has faced criticism for a lack of transparency, which Youssef cited as justification for his satirical post. Youssef's original claim referenced Netanyahu's denial, sarcastically implying it confirmed involvement, a tactic he used to highlight perceived double standards in media and government narratives.
Broader Discussion on Wokeness and Division
The conversation expanded beyond the conspiracy to critique "woke ideology," which Morgan described as evolving into a "puritanical purge" bordering on fascism. He argued that the left's celebration of Kirk's death exemplified how social justice movements have turned intolerant, radicalizing individuals like the shooter who viewed Kirk as a fascist. Youssef pushed back, questioning who exactly comprises the "woke left," "Bunch of pop stars and influencers and people with TikTok?" and highlighted hypocrisy in outrage over Kirk's death while ignoring violence against Palestinians. "For years, people made fun of Muslims, Arabs, our religion, our culture, our babies and children being killed in Gaza every single day. And no one lost a single minute of sleep over it," he said.
Both agreed that social media amplifies extreme views, with Youssef noting, "The internet will always promote the most hateful, the most controversial reactions." Morgan highlighted how Kirk's murder exposed the "abject state of discourse and division, especially online, where extreme takes increasingly lead to real world consequences."
Israel-Palestine Tensions
Youssef, a vocal critic of Israel, accused Morgan of acting as "the real Iron Dome of Israel" by not probing deeper into issues like the six-hour response delay on October 7, 2023, or alleged war crimes documented by Israeli soldiers on TikTok. He criticized Western support for Israel, stating, "All of your politicians, all of your representatives are openly financed by a rogue country that is indicted in the ICC and ICJ." Morgan countered that he has been critical, particularly of Israel's restrictions on international media in Gaza, suspecting evidence of war crimes would emerge if access were granted.
Youssef, a former heart surgeon who rose to fame with his Egyptian satirical show Al-Bernameg, often compared to The Daily Show, has appeared on Morgan's program multiple times since the October 7 attacks, gaining attention for his pointed critiques of Israeli policies. His 2023 appearance, featuring a role-reversal skit on the Israel-Palestine conflict, went viral.
Social Media Backlash
The admission sparked immediate reactions on X. User Eyal Yakoby posted a clip, writing, "Bassem Youssef goes onto Piers Morgan’s show, and openly admits that he lied that 'Netanyahu killed Charlie Kirk' for the sole goal of trying to convince the right that Israel was behind it. These people truly have no shame." Ian Miles Cheong shared a similar excerpt, noting, "Bassem Youssef admits to Piers Morgan that the claim that Israel is responsible for the death of Charlie Kirk is a lie that he and others are spreading because it’s the internet and no one trusts the US government. It’s a good way to stoke division and dismantle the United States." Psychologist Gad Saad echoed the sentiment, asking, "What do you think of the guy on the right?" in reference to Youssef.
Piers Morgan Uncensored, which has hosted Youssef several times, positions itself as a platform for unfiltered debate. Morgan has previously fact-checked Youssef on air, such as during discussions of the Al-Ahli hospital blast in Gaza.
If only Bassem had stuck to heart surgery.