Netflix confirmed on Tuesday that it has removed an episode of comedian Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act from its service in Saudi Arabia following a legal complaint from the kingdom that claimed it violates anti-cyber crime law. The second episode of Minhaj’s weekly show centered on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s alleged role in the killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It also took aim at Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, which the host called “the biggest tragedy of the MBS era.” A Netflix spokesperson told The Daily Beast, “We strongly support artistic freedom worldwide and removed this episode only in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request—and to comply with local law.” The episode can still be accessed in its entirely on YouTube where it has been viewed more than 1.2 million times.
