It’s getting more dangerous to be a comedian — but was it ever safe?
Jacques Berlinerblau's new book examines the limits of free speech in an era of ideological contention and internet virality
Dieudonne M’bala M’bala
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Fast Forward Barred From Canada, Anti-Semitic Comic Dieudonne Performs in Montreal Via Video
MONTREAL —After being barred from entering Canada, controversial French comic Dieudonne M’bala M’bala still managed to present a show in Montreal — via video link. Some 600 tickets reportedly were bought up by loyal fans of the man convicted multiple times in France and Belgium for hate speech, anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, and defending terrorism. They…
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Fast Forward Anti-Semitic French Comedian Dieudonne Detained In Hong Kong
The French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala was detained as he tried to enter Hong Kong. Dieudonne was detained Thursday, Variety reported, and his two stand up shows scheduled for Hong Kong were cancelled. His two sons, one a minor, were detained with him. Dieudonne posted photos of the incident on his official Facebook page. In…
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Fast Forward Dieudonne Sentenced to Prison for Anti-Semitic Jokes
A Belgian court sentenced controversial French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala on Wednesday to two months in prison and a 9,000 euro ($9,534) fine for making anti-Semitic jokes during a comedy show in 2012. Dieudonne, known for his use of jokes based on ethnic stereotypes, has repeatedly been convicted of racism in France and fined for…
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Fast Forward Dieudonne Free Speech Appeal Dumped by Europe Rights Court
The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday rejected claims by a French comedian that his right to speak freely was denied when he was convicted and fined in France for insulting Jews. The court said Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, a provocative performer who has been repeatedly accused of hate speech and anti-Semitism, could not claim…
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Fast Forward Dieudonne Banned From French Theater
A Paris court ordered the eviction of the French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, who often incites racial hatred against Jews, from a theater where he has worked for the past 15 years. The Tribunal of Major Instances of Paris re-issued the eviction order from the Main-D’or Theater on Tuesday, Le Monde reported. Dieudonne, who has…
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Opinion Francois Hollande Explains The Holocaust to Teenagers — Awkwardly
What started out as an unusual debate on primetime television between French president Francois Hollande and five teenagers about to vote for the first time, took an even stranger turn when they argued for several minutes whether or not it’s OK to laugh at the Holocaust. The round-table discussion took place Sunday, during the and…
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Fast Forward Dieudonne Banned From Performing in Morocco
The French comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala, who has faced repeated charges of incitement of hatred toward Jews, was banned from performing in Morocco. Dieudonne was slated to perform on April 29 in Casblanca but organizers had to cancel because authorities withheld their permission for the show, Le Figaro reported Thursday, citing Moroccan media. The show…
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