China's Heavy Fines for Comedians' Jokes
TL;DR
China fines Xiaoguo Culture Media firm £1.68m and forfeits 1.35m yuan in "illegal gains" after a joke by one of its comedians at a standup show in Beijing about stray dogs went viral over the weekend. The comedian was suspended and his account has been suspended. Standup comedy has become increasingly popular in Chinese cities in recent years, but comedians operate on an understanding that there are certain no-go topics, such as anything that criticises - or pokes fun at - the government.
- China fines comedy firm £1.68m over standup’s stray dog joke The Guardian
- The joke that cost $2 million: China imposes huge fine for comedian’s army-themed quip CNN
- China fines comedy troupe $2m for joke about the military BBC
- A costly joke: China slaps comedy firm with $2 million fine for military gag NBC News
- China Punishes Comic's Squirrel Joke With $2M Fine The Daily Beast
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