Comedian Desi Banks publicly denied any involvement in a controversial online advertising campaign after reports surfaced that Google suspended the advertising account of Desi Banks Productions LLC on January 20.
The suspension followed investigations into Persian-language ads that allegedly promoted Telegram channels and online forms linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, according to multiple media reports. The ads were reportedly disguised as child safety tips or beauty-related promotions and targeted family members of Iranian nuclear scientists, LGBTQ+ Iranians living abroad, and other individuals across 19 countries.
The issue resurfaced amid renewed anti-government protests in Iran tied to worsening economic conditions, intensifying scrutiny around the ads and the entities associated with them. Banks addressed the reports the following day in a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, rejecting claims that connected him or his company to the campaign.
“Stop believing BS,” Banks wrote, criticizing what he described as misleading narratives circulating online.
“I don’t even know what any of this is,” he added, distancing himself from the implications described in the reports.
Banks emphasized that the allegations conflicted with his personal values and professional conduct. “I have kids, and I would never in my life be involved in something like this,” he wrote.
He further stated, “I have never run, approved, or had any involvement with political ads or anything in another language.”
Comedy’s Desi Banks Issues Statement On Google Suspending Ad Account Over Mossad-Linked Promotion
Instead, Banks suggested that his company’s name may have been used without authorization. “Someone used my LLC without my knowledge. How? I don’t know yet,” he said, acknowledging that the circumstances remain unclear.
He also questioned the reporting, writing, “I don’t even know if half of what’s being posted is real.”
Banks said his team is actively working with Google to address the situation. “My business is already working with Google to remove anything that was done without my permission and to figure out how my company name was used,” he wrote.
This displayed cooperation with the media search engine as efforts continue to determine how the account was allegedly compromised. Banks’ comedy career took off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In closing, Banks urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information. “Stop spreading false narratives off random posts when you don’t know the truth,” he wrote.
He described the situation as “confusing and frustrating,” adding, “This shit sucks dawg and no I don’t deserve it.”
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