In his “Saturday Night time Stay” monologue, Ramy Youssef referred to as for a free Palestine and for the discharge of the hostages taken within the Israel-Hamas Struggle.
On the high of his monologue, Youssef joked, “That is an extremely non secular weekend. We’re within the holy month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Easter. And yesterday, Beyoncé launched a brand new album. There’s simply so many religions celebrating abruptly.”
He went on to speak in regards to the energy of prayer, and joked that “In my buddy group, I’m one of many solely guys who prays. I’m pals with loads of sinners, like, simply disgusting folks. They usually name me after they’re in hassle as a result of they need me to wish for them.”
Youssef recalled getting a name from his buddy Ahmed, who requested him to wish for his household in Gaza.
“I’m like, ‘Dude, I received you,’” Youssef stated. “In order that night time, I am going to wish, and my prayers are difficult. I’ve received lots to slot in. I’m like, ‘God, please, please assist Ahmed’s household. Please cease the struggling. Cease the violence. Please free the folks of Palestine, please. And please free the hostages, all of the hostages, please.”
Youssef then paused and wrapped up the monologue with a smile: “And when you’re at it, you recognize, free Mr. Bojangles. He’s a lovely canine. I’m praying for that canine.”
Elsewhere in his monologue, Youssef touched on the upcoming election, saying, “I don’t like both choice to be trustworthy with you.”
“I actually suppose our subsequent president needs to be a girl,” Youssef stated to loud cheers and claps. “You understand what I imply? Like, that will be wonderful.”
Youssef went on, “I believe our subsequent president needs to be a trans girl,” then acknowledged the slight waning of applause. “Rather less help, yeah. That’s New York, proper? New York’s like, ‘We’re liberal, however we’re Italian. Be careful!’”
He recalled being contacted earlier than the 2020 election by a person named Muhammad engaged on Joe Biden’s marketing campaign, who advised him that Biden is “a giant fan of your work” and “we love all the pieces that you simply’ve completed for Arab America.” Youssef then quipped, “He stated it prefer it was a rustic.”
Muhammad requested Youssef for his assist in swinging Michigan blue — “Arab America!” the comic joked.
“He stated, ‘Joe’s conscious, [of you],’” Youssef continued. “That’s big, proper? As a result of Joe has an consciousness subject. I imply, ‘Joe’s conscious.’ That’s like a Nobel Peace Prize.”
Youssef has been a vocal advocate for peace between Israel and Gaza, carrying an Artists for Ceasefire pin to the Academy Awards. “We’re calling for fast, everlasting ceasefire in Gaza. We’re calling for peace and lasting justice for the folks of Palestine,” Youssef advised Selection‘s Marc Malkin on the crimson carpet. “It’s a common message of, ‘Let’s cease killing youngsters. Let’s not be a part of extra battle.’ Nobody has ever appeared again at battle and thought a bombing marketing campaign was a good suggestion. To be surrounded by so many artists who’re keen to lend their voices, the checklist is rising. Lots of people are going to be carrying these pins tonight. There’s loads of speaking heads on the information, this can be a area of speaking hearts. We’re making an attempt to have this massive beam to humanity.”
Youssef is sizzling off the discharge of his second HBO comedy particular, “Extra Emotions,” which premiered on March 23. In it, the Egyptian American comedian riffs on subjects together with the 2024 presidential election, the significance of prayer and a childhood e-book report that modified the course of his life.
He’s finest recognized for creating and starring within the Hulu comedy collection “Ramy,” which follows an Egyptian American household residing in New Jersey as they navigate spirituality, cash issues and political divides. With Mo Amer, Youssef additionally co-created the Netflix collection “Mo,” which is presently capturing its second season. Earlier this yr he hit the awards circuit in help of Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Issues,” wherein he starred as Max McCandles alongside Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe.
Watch Youssef’s monologue in full under: