Israeli stand-up comedian Guy Hochman has become an unlikely international flashpoint, facing protests, canceled shows and border scrutiny during a turbulent North American tour.
Once best known in Israel as a popular, high-energy comic, Hochman’s profile grew sharply after Oct. 7 as he performed extensively for Israeli reserve soldiers and civilian audiences. That visibility also drew organized opposition. Pro-Palestinian advocacy groups filed legal complaints against him, and in January he was detained for six hours by Canadian border officials before being released without charges. His shows have sparked protests in multiple cities, and a planned New York appearance was canceled over safety concerns.
Most recently, a Beverly Hills performance was abruptly canceled. The venue later reversed course and apologized, acknowledging it was wrong to demand a political statement from the comedian, further fueling debate.
To supporters, Hochman is a wartime comic boosting morale through provocation. To critics, his rhetoric goes too far. In this exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he responds to the backlash and explains why he believes the controversy is about more than comedy.
Let’s talk about the Beverly Hills Fine Arts Theatre ban. What do you think about Michael H. Hall’s subsequent statement and apology?
The apology came only because of pressure from a strong Jewish community, which I appreciate. Big people, serious people, stepped in and handled this because the situation was unbelievable.
Do I think he’s sincere? No. He’s doing it because he was pressured. He doesn’t care. He tested me, like a loyalty test.
For me, my people come before my career. I don’t care about money. I will never say lies about my people. I will never say things like rape, starvation, or genocide. That is not the story, and I don’t believe it. I’m sorry, but it’s cynical. You can see it.
At first he said I did nothing wrong. Then suddenly I had to say that Israel is this or that. I won’t do that. I don’t want to perform there, I won’t bring him my audience, and my people, about 400 ticketholders, don’t want to go there anymore. We’ll find a new venue and do it there. The IAC, Israeli American Council, is looking into doing it through another theater, but I don’t know if it’s available. I only have one day because I fly back to Israel the next day.
What can audiences expect at your show?
The show is mostly in Hebrew, but I want to say this: If there ends up not being a show because of logistics, I’m sorry to my audience. But I’m sure they understand my decision. Jewish pride comes before everything.
Today it’s me, tomorrow it’s another artist. I’m very proud of the L.A. community. In New York, they didn’t succeed and the show was canceled. Here, people are fighting for me.
Since October 7, the community has followed me closely. I was in the reserves. Not officially, but as a reservist. I was on the ground. People saw me as a soldier. I gave them hope. Now they’re giving it back to me, and it makes me proud.
Why are Palestinian rights groups targeting your act?
I’m Israeli. I served in the army. I was a fighter. This is our reality. Everyone serves. On October 7, everything changed.
I went to the reserves, even though I had cancer. One month before the war, I was diagnosed, so I couldn’t fight. Soldiers told me, “Boost morale.” So that’s what I did. I went to bases. I did videos. I did standup shows in the field. I did everything I could to give my people escapism during insane times.
I’m proud of that. It’s the thing I’m most proud of. Five of my friends were killed on October 7. I went to the field on the sixth day of the war. My son was born at the same time. I named him Oz, meaning strength and friendship. That’s who I am.
Your critics say you dehumanize Palestinians and glorify violence.
I glorify my army. I glorify victory. That’s true. But the hypocrisy is unbelievable. In Iran, thousands are killed and nobody cares. But an Israeli comedian becomes the target. That tells you everything.
What happened in Toronto? You were detained for six hours.
They asked me everything. About my army service, my parents, my life. I didn’t understand why. A foundation filed a complaint, and authorities acted.
The Israeli foreign minister intervened. It was serious. Six hours, no water. When I finally performed, protesters were outside calling me a baby killer. They attacked my manager. We filed charges with Toronto police.
In New York, my show was canceled. I was shocked. They blocked my entrance to a comedy club in Manhattan.
Have you met Netanyahu?
Many times. I make fun of him on stage. I was the first comedian to do that openly. I joke about him, about his family. It’s all on video.
He helped me personally when my mother was hit by an electric scooter and was badly injured. Because of that, a new law was passed requiring license plates on scooters.
How’s your cancer?
It was testicular. Honestly, if you have to choose one, that’s the one. I joke about it. Comedy helps. I talk about it openly. It gave me strength.
Where does your tour take you next?
Dallas was canceled because of extreme weather. So I went to Las Vegas for a fun weekend. Next is San Francisco. There will probably be protests there, too. Then back to Las Vegas for a show. People want to help me. They are turning out to support me. I just want to perform.
Your Canadian visa was revoked?
Yes. I’m not a politician. I’m a comedian. A very Zionist comedian. But it’s terrible to see it happening. But I am not giving up and I’m not giving in. I will not give them the pleasure. But I am getting a lot of threats on my life. I know there’s a big difference between us, but I don’t want to be the Israeli Charlie Kirk.
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