Fox News, instead of critiquing Ramy Youssef without his input, consider reaching out to him directly.
“I’ve been featured on the network without my consent,” Youssef shared on Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’d appreciate being asked for my comments because I certainly would provide them! They cover me without even making a call. I’m not the type to refuse a comment. Oh, I’d have plenty to say! They claim, ‘we reached out to his representatives, and he did not have any comment to provide.’ That’s not true; I do have things to say!”
Recently, Youssef appeared on Fox News following a “Sesame Street” segment where he taught Elmo Arabic words like “habibi” (meaning “my love” or “my close friend”) and “as-salamu alaykum” (meaning “peace be upon you”).
“The level of comments was unexpected,” Youssef remarked. “I saw people immediately suggesting mass deportations and making false claims about ‘Sesame Street’ not doing this for other languages. It seems to fuel anti-Muslim sentiment and Islamophobia.”
Youssef notes that “Sesame Street” has been supportive amid the backlash. “It’s such a loving program, and they understand some people will react negatively,” he said. “They’re currently celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, which also attracted hateful comments. ‘Sesame Street’ is committed to spreading love and ensuring future generations have a broader perspective.”
Youssef humorously recalled a past instance when Fox News used his name to provoke its audience. During New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, Youssef found himself listed as one of the “ultra-liberal wealthy donors.” Youssef joked, “I was among very wealthy individuals, which wasn’t my league. Online comments even poked fun at my lack of wealth, saying, ‘Ramy is not wealthy!’ So, thank you for that.”
In his HBO Max special, “Ramy Youssef: In Love,” he highlights the hypocrisy of right-wing outlets that spread Islamophobic narratives while ignoring issues such as Qatar gifting a $400 million Air Force One to Trump or Middle Eastern funds owning a significant share of Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery.
“These divides are about money and power,” Youssef states. “Cultural and religious divisions are distractions. Most people and cultures are united by common values like family and enjoying life. That’s always been central to my work. The real divide is perpetuated by those who thrive on conflict.”
Apart from the “Elmogate,” Youssef discussed memorable moments from “Ramy Youssef: In Love” on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, including updates on his dog and insights into his “wife thoughts.” He shared stories about his time with Pope Francis, his father’s reaction to his financial disclosures on stage, and more. He also participated in the podcast’s 10 Questions quiz and reflected on his first appearance in Variety. Listen below!
For this episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Youssef’s wife joined him in the studio (though not on mic), providing an opportunity to gauge her reaction to the “wife thoughts” segment. In this part, Youssef shares some of the embarrassing things he’s comfortable expressing to his wife but not publicly. “I tried a few on stage, and it was fun,” he said. “Someone even called out for more ‘wife thoughts,’ so I decided to include it in the special, which was enjoyable to explore further.”
In the special, Youssef also reveals spending $10,000 during his wedding in Egypt to light up the pyramids at night. His father was not pleased when Youssef mentioned this during a comedy show at New York’s Beacon Theater.
“I felt it was my best hour on stage,” Youssef recounts. “My dad pulled me aside afterward, and I thought we’d have a moment, but instead, he questioned, ‘you paid $10,000??’ The wedding was two years ago, and he said, ‘they light them up anyway! What’s wrong with you? How did that happen?'”
Youssef also shared a story about his dog, who appears in the special’s key art. The dog is doing well and even enjoyed a red carpet moment with Youssef on an HBO billboard on Sunset. “Fame has changed him,” Youssef jokes. “He got so many treats and attention that he didn’t want to eat the regular food at home the next day.”
Youssef’s first appearance in Variety came as a cast member of Nick at Nite’s “See Dad Run,” starring Scott Baio. Youssef played Kevin, Baio’s character’s friend; the show aired nearly 50 episodes starting in 2012.
“This was a pivotal moment for me,” Youssef says. “I was 20, living at my parents’ house in New Jersey, and got cast as a series regular in L.A. It’s an industry rarity. Moving to L.A. for ten years helped me develop my standup and learn how to create a show.”
Here’s an excerpt from a review in Daily Variety on October 12, 2012 (read it here):
10 QUESTIONS WITH RAMY YOUSSEF:
1. Childhood nickname: “Ramy Salami.”
2. Something you loved as a kid but can’t believe you were into it now: “When I was a kid, I really liked to eat shrimp. And now I’m so allergic, it will send me to the hospital.”
3. Go-to Karaoke or sing-in-the-shower song: “I’ll rap some Eminem, ‘The Real Slim Shady,’ that kind of thing. I know so many of those words!”
4. Give me an alternate title for your show: “‘I Love My Dog.’ It was going to be a little nod to the Cat Stevens track, which was his first real big hit.”
5. What’s your secret talent?: “I love playing music, guitar, I love singing. But it’s not something I’ve done so publicly.”
6. Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla, or butter pecan.
7. The one item you couldn’t live without: “A notebook that fits in my jacket pocket.”
8. What TV show in all of history do you wish you were a cast member of?: “‘The Sopranos.’ Just the New Jersey of it. Those locations were near where I grew up. The Bada Bing strip club, I would see that on the way to karate.”
9. Fictional character you most admire: “Jason Bourne.”
10. Your favorite piece of advice: “Drinking as much water as possible.”
Also featured in this episode: “Elsbeth” star Carrie Preston.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is the go-to source for engaging discussions about the best in film and television. Each episode offers interviews with top film and TV talents and creatives, debates about awards races, industry headlines, and more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you download podcasts.
