Court Reinstates NPR Reporter Fired for Stand-Up Comedy

Jad Sleiman to Return to WHYY with Full Back Pay and Benefits, Must Remove Comedy Clips from Social Media

Jad Sleiman, a reporter for Philadelphia-based NPR affiliate WHYY, was reinstated by a Pennsylvania court after being fired for his stand-up comedy routine.
The court ruled that Sleiman's jokes, which his station deemed 'egregious' due to their sexual, racial, and misogynistic connotations, were 'simply funny'.
Sleiman was fired in January 2023 and his health insurance was cut off the same day, despite his reliance on expensive drugs for his multiple sclerosis.
The court's ruling requires Sleiman to be reinstated with full back pay and benefits, but he must delete clips of his stand-up from social media.
Sleiman, who was represented by SAG-AFTRA lawyers, credits the union for his victory, stating that he would have been 'screwed completely' without their support.