Bassem Youssef

Biography

Bassem Youssef was the host of AlBernameg - the first of its kind political satire show in the Middle East. Originally a 5-minute show on YouTube, AlBernameg was the most watched show across the region.
Youssef received wide acclaim around the world with coverage in some of the biggest media outlets. Throughout its three seasons the show remained controversial through its humorous yet bold criticism of the ruling powers, which led to tens of lawsuits being filed against the show and its host. Youssef was issued an arrest warrant in March 2013 where he was released on bail after questioning. In 2013 he was named among Time Magazine’s most influential list, awarded the International Press Freedom Award by the CPJ, and chosen by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the global thinkers. In June 2014 AlBernameg team held a press conference where Youssef announced the show’s termination due to overwhelming pressures. Youssef majored in cardiothoracic surgery, passed the United States Medical License Exam, and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. He is currently a resident fellow at the Institute of Politics at the John F Kennedy School of Government.