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Jocelyn Chia Defends Her Controversial MH370 Joke By Saying She Made It "Over A 100 Times"

"I have had Malaysian audience members come up to me after my shows to tell me that they loved my gig, which clearly shows they didn't take offence," said Chia.

Cover image via @comedycellarusa (TikTok) & Kelly Ng/South China Morning Post

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New York-based comedian Jocelyn Chia recently shared her side of the story regarding her comedy routine that created international controversy

The comedian told in an interview with CNN that for the past year and a half, she has been using the routine without any problems, stressing that she has used the material "more than a 100 times". 

She also explained that some necessary context went missing when that particular segment was reduced to a short clip for social media.

"I fully stand behind my joke, but only within a comedy club setting. Upon reflection, I recognise that how distressing it must have been watching that clip outside of the comedy setting," said Chia.

She added that she has no personal grudge against Malaysia, and it's common culture for comedians to "roast" their live audience

"I have had Malaysian audience members come up to me after my shows to tell me that they loved my gig, which clearly shows they didn't take offence," Chia told CNN.

Since last week, Chia faced criticism for her comedy routine performed in New York, where she poked fun at the MH370 tragedy

Several prominent figures, including Singaporean comedian Kumar and the Singapore High Commisssion, has apologised to Malaysians on her behalf. 

Learn more about the controversy here:

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