Controversy Surrounds Upcoming New Yorker Festival
The New Yorker magazine is making headlines once again, but this time it’s stirred up quite a bit of controversy. The focus? A certain Twitch streamer with a history of inflammatory comments towards Israelis.
Hasan Piker, a prominent figure in left-wing streaming, is set to participate in an event titled “New Political Arena” during the New Yorker Festival next month. However, his inclusion has sparked outrage among many, with critics branding the magazine as a platform for pro-9/11 sentiments and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
Piker, who hails from New Jersey, has previously made statements that many find objectionable. Notably, he has downplayed the significance of a woman’s sexual assault on October 7th, saying, “it doesn’t matter if the rape happened.”
“The New Yorker’s choice to feature Hasan Piker is just another instance of mainstream media normalizing his anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist views,” critics argue. They claim that such rhetoric only serves to strengthen prejudice and validate harmful stereotypes.
With millions of followers, Piker has faced backlash for various controversial remarks over the years. In addition to suggesting that the U.S. deserved the September 11 attacks, he has claimed that Israel is committing genocide in its conflict with Hamas.
Earlier this year, he was temporarily banned from Twitch after making some questionable comments regarding violent incidents involving Israeli diplomats, implying they resembled a “false flag” operation.
His statements have drawn parallels to outrageous comparisons, like likening various groups to Holocaust victims while labeling Hezbollah a “successful resistance group”—and shockingly claiming “America is worthy of 9/11.”
Critics have highlighted the normalization of Piker’s extremist viewpoints in major media venues, arguing that such opinions should disqualify individuals from participation in respected events. New York GOP chair Ed Cox has also joined the fray, describing Piker as a “radical fanatic.”
As the 24th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, some politicians express concern over a gathering that invites speakers who not only voice support for the attacks but also promote violence against their political opponents, alongside apparent anti-Semitism.
The New Yorker has yet to respond to queries regarding the backlash surrounding this decision.
