Hasan Minhaj denied entry to Modi's Texas rally

Event producers cite lack of press credentials and space, despite evidence to the contrary.

Updated 24 Sep, 2019

Indian-American comedian Hasan Minhaj was refused entry to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally held at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday.

The event producers cite lack of credentials and lack of space for broadcast crews in the venue, despite evidence to the contrary.

Videos posted on the Instagram account of Adam Matthew Weiss, president and CEO of AMWPR, which handled the event, showed Minhaj being told there were no press credentials available for him and his crew, and that there was no space for him to bring his camera crew into the venue.

Subsequent videos on the Weiss' Instagram story showed otherwise, with other media crews present in the press pool area with ample space.

Neither Minhaj, Weiss or AMWPR have responded to the incident yet.

Journalist Maria Kari added that she was also refused media credentials, preventing her from attending the rally.

There is speculation that Minhaj was denied entry due to his past criticism of the Indian Prime Minister, US President Donald Trump and expression of support for Kashmir on India's Independence Day on August 15.

Comments

Abdulsalam Sep 23, 2019 02:40pm

Love patriot act. Salute!!!

Recommend

Chaman Bahar Sep 23, 2019 02:44pm

He need not vote or like Modi. But, If he does not respect India's elected Prime minister at world level, he is no more Indian. Stay blessed in America

Baba ladla Sep 23, 2019 03:30pm

So Hasan Minaj is now a journalist? That's rich! I guess I am very close to been a professional athlete then..

Khusro Habib Sep 23, 2019 03:53pm

@Chaman Bahar respect is earned not shoved down the throat....

Asif Sep 23, 2019 06:21pm

Looking at the number of Recommend for the comments, surely Indians read DAWN more than Pakistanis.

jaredlee007 Sep 23, 2019 06:42pm

Nothing surprising.

Aloo Ka Paratha Sep 23, 2019 07:37pm

@Baba ladla he has a TV show, he discusses current political events on the show with humor yet focusing on the topic for his viewers like Bill Maher, Ben Shapiro, .....all political talk show hosts and some also "journalist". Just because you can run in a gully does not make you an athlete Baba gee.

Sparta Sep 23, 2019 07:57pm

@Baba ladla I guess you need to educate yourself about journalism. What he does is called 'Satire News' and that requires proper credentials. He has covered Trump's rallies and he do get entry in those regardless of the fact that he criticizes him openly.

Kris Sep 23, 2019 08:13pm

I don't know why they denied his press pass. Dissent is part of democracy and it must be encouraged. That is how democracy thrives.

Zulfiqar Sep 23, 2019 11:34pm

@Baba ladla. Hassan Minhaj is as much a journalist as Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert. His show patriot act is the most popular political satire show in the digital universe right now.

Facts Matter Sep 24, 2019 12:24am

Do not care if Minhaj attends or not.

Jonathan Menezes Sep 24, 2019 07:30am

Jon Steward was not a politician but a comedian, but he bridged the gap and many US politicians were ticked off by him as he highlighted their short comings! Many here say Hasan Minaj is not a journalist? so what ? If he can bring attention to serious issues in his show, more power to him. If journalist media would do their job the world would be better!

Anonymouseee Sep 24, 2019 10:40am

Not surprised at all. Trump and Modi supporters are no different from one another and can’t stand the truth.

isha Sep 24, 2019 01:24pm

since when is calling out a politician on his bad policies equated to not respecting him ?. Democracy means anyone can question any politician's stance. rather immature of the anyone to say calling modi out on his bad policies means not respecting him modi. Also the worlds largest democracy should be able to take the criticism and be open to all opinions blocking hassan just goes to prove your claim of democracy is more myth than fact

Ron Sep 25, 2019 11:35am

Patriot Act is an amazing show. Respect for Hasan for insightful research on every topic he presents. I guess he rubbed the Modi and his sycophants the wrong way with his piece on Kashmir.