Ramy Youssef on Reactions After He Taught Elmo Arabic on Sesame Street

Fox News has come under fire from comedian Ramy Youssef for not reaching out to him for comment before criticizing him. In a recent interview with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Youssef expressed his frustration with the network for not giving him the opportunity to respond to their coverage of him.

The controversy stemmed from a segment on “Sesame Street” where Youssef taught Elmo Arabic words. Fox News’ coverage of the segment led to a backlash from viewers, with many expressing anti-Muslim sentiments. Youssef was disappointed by the network’s false claims and the rise of Islamophobia that followed.

Despite the backlash, Youssef praised “Sesame Street” for its commitment to spreading love and inclusivity. He emphasized the importance of teaching the next generation to embrace diversity and reject hateful ideologies.

Youssef also took a jab at Fox News for using his name in a previous segment about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He humorously pointed out that he was labeled as one of Mamdani’s “ultra liberal wealthy donors,” despite not being wealthy himself.

In his HBO Max special, “Ramy Youssef: In Love,” the comedian addresses the hypocrisy of right-wing outlets that spread Islamophobia while ignoring other important issues. He believes that divisive narratives distract from the real issues of money and power that drive societal divides.

During the podcast, Youssef shared insights into his personal life, including his relationship with his wife and his experience filming the special. He also reflected on his first appearance in Variety as part of the cast of the sitcom “See Dad Run.”

Overall, Youssef’s candid and humorous approach to addressing controversial topics has garnered both praise and criticism. His willingness to tackle difficult subjects with wit and charm has solidified his place as a rising star in the comedy world.