Congress questions Apple about whether Jon Stewart's show was canceled over China, AI content

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers are demanding Apple explain the sudden end of political comedian Jon Stewart's television show on its streaming service, citing concerns that the show was canceled over content related to China and artificial intelligence. 

Apple canceled "The Problem with Jon Stewart" in October after two seasons, and the House Select Committee on the CCP sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook on Wednesday, scrutinizing his relationship with China and asking his company to brief Congress and "publicly commit that content that could be perceived as critical" Beijing is welcome on Apple platforms.

The lawmakers cited reports from The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter about how Stewart apparently told his staff that potential show topics on China and AI made Apple executives uneasy. He also reportedly resisted the idea of being restricted by Apple, and when the company threatened to cancel his series, he told the company he would quit rather than be controlled. 

"If these reports are accurate, it potentially speaks to broader concerns about indirect Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over the creative expression of American artists and companies on CCP-related topics," the lawmakers write in the letter, which is signed by committee Chairman Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill.

The letter came the same day that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Joe Biden in San Francisco.

The congressmen said they expected Apple to respond by Dec. 15 and that they also expect to speak with Stewart's representatives.

Stewart is no stranger to Congress as he has lobbied for veterans and first responders in recent years.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.