Hasan Minhaj, well-known for his work as a comedian and former correspondent on “The Daily Show,” almost had the chance to become the permanent host of the show. However, before the deal could be finalized, Minhaj faced a scandal that ultimately cost him the opportunity. Although details of the scandal have been widely discussed, it is clear that the controversy surrounding Minhaj’s storytelling abilities played a significant role in the decision-making process.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal to bring Minhaj on board as Trevor Noah’s replacement was on the verge of completion. All that was needed was to “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” during the summer months. However, it was during this time that a damning exposé by The New Yorker was published, accusing Minhaj of embellishing stories in his stand-up special. The allegations included exaggerations about taking his daughter to the hospital due to an anthrax scare and being rejected by a girl because of his race, both of which were disputed by those involved.
As news of the scandal broke, the backlash against Minhaj was swift. Some comedians expressed frustration over his defense of storytelling embellishments, with Bill Maher going so far as to call him a liar on an episode of his show. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the scandal was suddenly seen as a liability, causing higher-ups to distance themselves from the idea of hiring Minhaj as the permanent host.
Following the fallout, the producers of “The Daily Show” recently announced a new plan for the show. Jon Stewart, the show’s beloved former host, will return as a part-time host on Mondays throughout the election season and will also serve as an executive producer until at least 2025. Hosting duties from Tuesday to Thursday will be rotated among the show’s correspondents. While this may be a disappointment for Minhaj, it provides an opportunity for other talented individuals, such as Roy Wood Jr., to step up.
Although Minhaj missed out on becoming the permanent host of “The Daily Show,” his career is far from over. He has already made a name for himself through his successful stand-up specials, including “Homecoming King” and “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.” Additionally, his work as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. While his storytelling abilities may have been called into question, there is no denying his talent and charisma.
The scandal surrounding Hasan Minhaj serves as a reminder that honesty and authenticity are essential in the world of comedy. While embellishment may be a common practice among comedians, it is important to strike a balance between entertainment and truth. Minhaj’s experience highlights the potential risks of pushing the boundaries too far.
Hasan Minhaj’s almost-hosting of “The Daily Show” was a missed opportunity due to the scandal surrounding his storytelling embellishments. The fallout from the controversy ultimately led to the decision to bring back Jon Stewart and rotate hosting duties among correspondents. However, Minhaj’s career is far from over, and he will undoubtedly continue to make his mark in the entertainment industry.
Leave a Reply