Mark Twain Prize

I went on his show in 2012 and after the show, I told him, "I'm gonna make you a promise. "I'm going to create the biggest political satire show "in the Middle East, with the first-ever show "with live audience and I would love you to come." And he made me a promise, he's like, "I will come." I had the most popular show in the Middle East but there were also riots in the streets. There were tear gas, we had to smell it in every day when we were doing the show in the theater. And even the State Department issued a warning telling Americans not to go to Egypt. But you came, you fulfilled your promise. (audience applauding) Two weeks after that, the military seized power from the Islamists. I called John and I said, "I'm scared. "I don't know what to do. "The new authority is too popular, too loved. "I'm scared people will turn against me "and I would lose my popularity." So he said, "Well, you need to ask yourself "do you wanna do comedy, "or do you wanna do something that would last forever?" So I went all the way. I pushed the envelope and spoke up. And as expected, my show's canceled. People turned against me. (audience laughing) I faced lawsuits and defamation and I had to escape from Egypt, so (beep) you, John. (audience laughing, applauding) Seriously, man! Thanks for nothing, buddy! I don't know what happened. I could have stayed and be a sellout, a very rich sellout. You had to be an inspiration. (audience chuckling) But I'm glad I'm here to tell you I love you, man. You all talk about his impact in America but you don't understand the impact that he has outside of America. Even in my region, people learned about American politics from you, which I found it really pathetic. But it's... (audience laughing) It's like you don't understand the impact that you have on so many people all around the world. You are the source of everything. You are the origin story of every one of us. I am forever grateful for CNN because they introduced me to you. Thank you, man. (audience applauding)