Last week, Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, who better known as his online persona “Uncle Roger”, faced a ban on Chinese social media platforms after his satirical comments targeting China’s authoritarian government caused controversy.
In a recent video he uploaded on social media, Mr. Ng expressed his anticipation of the video leading to him being “canceled.”
The video, seemingly recorded during one of his comedy shows, featured an interaction with an audience member who identified himself as being from Guangzhou, China.
Mr. Ng humorously emphasized the importance of discussing the country correctly, given the potential surveillance, particularly for those using Huawei devices.
He jokingly remarked, “All our phones tap into it: Long live President Xi, long live President Xi!”
Amidst the humor, he playfully commented, “Uncle Roger’s social score is going up, nice!”
He further sarcastically told his audience from Taiwan that Taiwan “not a real country”, “I hope one day you rejoin the motherland, One China!”
Uncle Roger about to get cancelled.
🎟️ Buy the FULL SHOW now to watch from home: https://t.co/ebzr06mDV9
Dropping June 4 on @momentworld pic.twitter.com/zmYtTp0tBh
— Nigel Ng (Uncle Roger) (@MrNigelNg) May 15, 2023
Following the release of a stand-up video featuring jokes about surveillance and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, at least three of his social media accounts on Weibo and billibili were suspended.
On Mr Ng’s official Weibo account, stated that his account is currently under a “state of silence or suspension” due to “violations of relevant laws and regulations”.
Mr Ng’s official account on a China video sharing website Bilibili, which accumulated total of 430k fans, also being suspended while viewers still can watch his earlier video.
Nigel Ng extends invitation to support his upcoming show on June 4
In his most recent video, Mr. Ng humorously suggested that perhaps he had indulged in too much nonsense, resulting in the suspension of all his social media accounts in China.
However, he reiterated his stance of ridiculing and making jokes about various entities, including the BBC, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and even Jamie Oliver.
Furthermore, he extended an invitation to those who find his videos funny and support freedom of speech, encouraging them to attend his upcoming show on June 4.
In a comical tone, he remarked, “Seriously, Uncle Roger’s social credit score is very low, please go buy it.”
June 4 holds great symbolic importance due to the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, where the Chinese government deployed troops and tanks to suppress pro-democracy protesters, resulting in loss of lives and international condemnation.
The date serves as a reminder of the government’s suppression and the ongoing struggle for political reform and human rights.
Nigel Ng faces criticism over collaboration with Chinese-American YouTuber in 2021
In 2021, Nigel Ng faced criticism from Chinese netizens for collaborating with Chinese-American YouTuber Mike Chen, who is known for his critical views of the Chinese government.
During that time, Ng apologized on Weibo, stating that he was unaware of Chen’s political views and removed the video, expressing his love for Chinese culture.
While most Chinese netizens supported Ng, some Twitter users criticized Ng, suggesting that he had capitulated too easily and unnecessarily apologized to maintain access to the Chinese market. Ng clarified that he avoids political topics and will continue making videos.
Chinese comedian faces S$2.56 million heavy fine after poked fun at China army
Recently, a Chinese stand-up comedian named Li Haoshi, made a joke that loosely referenced a slogan used to describe the country’s military.
The joke was delivered at a show on 13 May, in which the comedian shared an anecdote about encountering two stray dogs.
He humorously remarked that the dogs chased a squirrel with such intensity, comparing it to the firing of an artillery shell.
Reflecting on the sight, he jokingly associated it with a People’s Liberation Army slogan, “fine style of work, capable of winning battles (作风优良，能打胜战)”.
The joke garnered laughter from the audience, but an audience member did not take Li’s words well and took to Chinese social media platform Weibo to comment on the joke’s inappropriateness.
笑果文化脱口秀演员House(李昊石)引起强烈反响演出的录音，供各位参考 pic.twitter.com/nqiFo3Snea
— Jeff Li (@jefflijun) May 16, 2023
This led to intense debate and later caught the attention of the authorities. An investigation was later conducted on Shanghai Xiaoguo Culture Media by the Beijing Cultural Law Enforcement Agency on 15 May.
As a result, the comedy house was fined more than $2 million by authorities for “harming society” after Li’s military joke drew strong public criticism.
