Hasan Minhaj, the comic sensation known for his sharp wit and storytelling prowess, recently shed light on a pivotal moment in his career: losing the chance to host *The Daily Show*. In an honest and revealing interview with *Esquire*, Minhaj recounted how he was initially the leading candidate to succeed Trevor Noah. However, following an explosive article in *The New Yorker* that accused him of fabricating parts of his onstage stories, the opportunity slipped through his fingers.

Career Setback

Reflecting on the moment he learned he’d lost the job, Minhaj shared, 'We were in talks, and I had the gig, and we were pretty much good to go.' But when the article questioning his integrity hit the stands, he received the distressing call that the hosting position had been rescinded. 'It went away. That’s part of showbiz,' he remarked with a mix of resignation and acceptance.

Family Impact

More painful than the career setback was the impact on his family. Minhaj revealed, 'The most painful thing is my wife and my parents. To see them hurt, to see them engage with ‘So I’m reading on the internet…’—that is so painful.' As the eldest son, he expressed deep regret over the distress his family faced as a result of the controversy.

Setting the Record Straight

After the *New Yorker* piece was published, Minhaj took to video, offering context for his controversial stories, which included serious topics like racism and surveillance against the Muslim community. 'There were omissions and factual errors in The New Yorker article that misrepresented my life story,' he clarified, emphasizing the importance of setting the record straight.

Addressing Accusations

In a compelling part of the video, he addressed the accusation of 'faking racism,' stating, 'It’s very serious, and it demands an explanation.' Minhaj even humorously questioned his own integrity, saying, 'I want to answer the biggest question that’s probably on your mind: Is Hasan Minhaj secretly a psycho?'

Support from Peers

In the wake of the controversy, Minhaj leaned on support from fellow comedians like Ramy Youssef, Mike Birbiglia, John Mulaney, and Jon Stewart. Birbiglia came to Minhaj’s defense, sharing his bewilderment at the motivations behind the *New Yorker* piece, while Stewart encouraged Minhaj to leverage the experience for future comedy: 'This is great for you,' he told him.

Future Endeavors

Fueled by the ups and downs, Minhaj has since kept himself busy. He launched a new interview show on YouTube titled *Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know* and starred in the adaptation of *It Ends With Us*. Plus, his latest stand-up tour is set to hit the streaming service Netflix in October, with a special titled *Off With His Head*.

Looking Ahead

Teasing fans about his next project, Minhaj said, 'I’ve already written my next stand-up show.' He mentioned an unconventional twist involving stage dynamics and another comedian, hinting at yet another innovative direction in his work.

As Hasan Minhaj turns the page on this chapter of his career, it’s clear he remains resilient and ready to tackle new challenges, setting the stage for what could be his most groundbreaking work yet. Fans and followers alike are eagerly anticipating the laughs and insights that lie ahead!