Corrections regarding false statements by Sammy Obeid

1. Mr Obeid published posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X on 27 August 2025 regarding the cancellation of his stand-up comedy show titled “Sammy Obeid: LIVE in Singapore”, which he intended to stage at the Victoria Theatre on 31 August 2025. There are false statements of fact contained within Mr Obeid’s posts.

2. The false statements of fact contained within these posts are:

   1. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) required multiple rounds of edits to Mr Obeid’s material, including to remove all references to Israel, Palestine, and the conflict in Gaza, but rejected his script even after he complied with all required removals.

   2. IMDA told Mr Obeid they were rejecting his Arts Entertainment Licence (AEL) application, inter alia, because they were wary that Mr Obeid may go off-script on stage. 

3. The false statements of fact contained in Mr Obeid’s posts are serious. Of note, they are likely to result in a diminution of public confidence in the Government’s handling of the conflict in Gaza and its approach to public discussions about the matter. Furthermore, the false statements of fact contained in Mr Obeid’s post are likely to reduce public confidence in IMDA’s exercise of its functions in making objective assessments of AEL applications.

Facts

IMDA did not require multiple rounds of edits to Mr Obeid’s material, including to remove all references to Israel, Palestine, and the conflict in Gaza, nor did IMDA tell Mr Obeid that they were rejecting his AEL application because they were wary that Mr Obeid may go off-script on stage.

4. The timeline of events is as follows: 

   • 8 Jul 2025: Mr Obeid’s personal assistant emailed IMDA to enquire about the AEL application process.

   • 9 Jul 2025: IMDA replied to Mr Obeid’s personal assistant with the details of the application process and that the application should rightfully be submitted by a local representative 40 working days before the event is staged, to allow sufficient time for applications to be processed.

   • 15 Aug 2025: IMDA received the AEL application from Mr Obeid’s local representative (the “Applicant”).

   • 19 Aug 2025: IMDA responded to the Applicant, stating that the application was rejected as it far exceeded the deadline for submission (by 30 working days).

   • 20 Aug 2025: IMDA received an appeal from the Applicant.

   • 25 Aug 2025: IMDA replied to the Applicant that the appeal was rejected.

5. The AEL application was rejected solely because it was late. This was communicated to the Applicant. At no juncture did IMDA discuss the contents of Mr Obeid’s script with him or the Applicant. It is therefore impossible that IMDA could have requested for any edits to made to Mr Obeid’s script. IMDA also did not tell Mr Obeid or the Applicant that they were rejecting Mr Obeid’s AEL application because they were wary that Mr Obeid may go off-script on stage.

Additional Clarifications

On the process for applying for AELs

6. The IMDA website [Arts Entertainment Licence] states that AEL applications are required to be submitted at least 40 working days before the event. This is intended to allow sufficient time for AEL applications to be processed, or for advisories to be included in publicity materials and advertisements. This timeline for submission is made known publicly and listed on IMDA’s website. 

7. IMDA does not require the full script to be submitted for unscripted performances such as stand-up comedies, as it is cognisant that performers may deviate from their script, given the nature of such performances. For such performances, the AEL applicant is required to submit (a) a synopsis, (b) a content checklist which includes relevant information about the performance (such as talking points, rehearsal videos, or videos of past performances), and (c) any multimedia material that may be used during the event. 

On the Government’s approach to arts entertainment performances and films

8. The Government does not disallow content for arts entertainment performances just because it touches on the Israel-Palestine conflict. IMDA assesses content according to publicly available guidelines, such as the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (for Arts Entertainment events) and Film Classification Guidelines (for films). Only content that infringes these guidelines will be refused classification. 

9. There have been past instances where films and arts entertainment events regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict have been allowed. IMDA has also allowed individuals who have been vocal about their views regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict to perform in Singapore.

POFMA Correction Direction issued in the Public Interest

10. The Minister for Digital Development and Information has instructed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (“POFMA”) Office to issue a POFMA Correction Direction (“CD”) to Mr Obeid. The CD requires Mr Obeid to insert Correction Notices relating to the original posts, with a link to the Government’s clarification. We advise members of the public not to speculate and/or spread unverified rumours.