Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef called a press conference Monday to announce that "due to circumstances outside his control" his popular satirical TV show would not be returning.
Egyptian authorities announced last month that Youssef's show would be taken off air ahead of the country's presidential elections so that "Egyptian voters' orientation and public opinion won't be influenced."
Youssef, who is known for skewering Egyptian leaders from all sides of the political spectrum, had recently come under attack for his criticism of the army. As support of Egyptian military strongman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi grew, so did the attacks on Youssef for criticizing him.
Over the last six months, Youssef's show has been been served with lawsuits alleging that he is "insulting the state," and efforts have been made to jam the frequency of his Friday night show to make viewing nearly impossible.
Youssef said the decision to cancel the show came after he and the crew realized it was better to end the show rather than "watering it down." He also said that they refused offers to air the program from outside Egypt.
Earlier this week, MBC Misr, the channel currently hosting Youssef's show, said they would not air its May 30 episode but gave no further explanation.
Youssef, who featured in Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2012, has often been called "Egypt's Jon Stewart" and has spoken publicly of his fondness for The Daily Show.
The reaction to news that Youssef had canceled his show came swiftly.
A sad day for freedom of expression in Egypt.. A truly sad day :(
A sad day for Egyptian and all Arabic media. Those responsible for applying such pressure on a satire show only expose their own weakness.
Maybe the Sisi government will make it criminal to laugh about all the suffering it's about to inflict on Egypt.
Bassem Youssef, commenting on the signal jamming, the official and unofficial harassment, the pressures: "To be honest, I'm tired."
No more el bernameg :(
Basem Yousef could have kissed ass. He could've toned down his show. He could've done what many show hosts do. I am glad he didn't. Respect
Bassem Youssef arrives at his press conference. To announce the program is over.
The cancelation of #BassemYoussef program is heart breaking
They may be all smiles,but this is a sad picture making the rounds on twitter now. @DrBassemYoussef and team #Egypt