Trevor Noah Talks 'Daily Show' Gig, Twitter Controversy: 'I Don't Strive to Be Offensive'

New “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah does not purposely seek to upset people, saying, “I don’t strive to be offensive, but can never control what people find as offensive or not.”

Noah also spoke about the Twitter controversy that embroiled him soon after he was named the host of the satirical news show, telling the Television Critics Association on Wednesday, “Thankfully, Comedy Central hasn’t limited me to 140 characters, so I should be able to say things in a better, well-formed way.”

“Let me put it this way,” Noah said. “If a person has 9,000 tweets and five of them are not to your taste. What I heard is, ‘This person has 8,995 tweets that weren’t offensive.'”

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The South African comedian also spoke earnestly about his desire to live up to the expectations of his soon-to-be predecessor, Jon Stewart, and how he hopes the focus will not be solely on him. “It’s about the show first. It’s not about me,” Noah said.

He also said he understands that comparisons to Stewart will be inevitable, but reminded the audience that Stewart built his audience and reputation over the course of 16 years. “I hope in time to have the same impact,” Noah said.

See video: Jon Stewart on Leaving 'Daily Show,' Convincing Bush to Invade Iraq and Doing Standup at 80

Noah also told the crowd that he does not consider himself a journalist. “I’m not in the news business. I’m in the comedy business,” he said. That same sentiment has been often repeated by Stewart during his tenure on “The Daily Show.”

The Scene at Comedy Central's Justin Bieber Roast: Kevin Hart, Snoop, Shaq, Will Ferrell (Photos)

The man of the hour takes a selfie with Beliebers.
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Joining Roast Master Kevin Hart at the taping are roasters Hannibal Buress, Chris D'Elia, Natasha Leggero, Ludacris, Shaquille O'Neal, Jeffrey Ross, Snoop Dogg, and Martha Stewart. Special will air Monday, March 30 at 10 p.m.
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We don't even want to know what comedian and roaster Jeffrey Ross is doing dressed as the pope.

See video: Justin Bieber’s Beliebers Sob and Snot Through Newest Comedy Central Roast Promo
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"Workaholics" actors Anders Holm and Blake Anderson show Justin Bieber the escape route.
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Yes, Justin, you have to leave your trailer.
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Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will serve as the night's roast master.

Also read: Justin Bieber Comedy Central Roast Lineup Includes Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart
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Rapper Snoop Dogg, one of Justin Bieber's mentors, will roast the pop singer.
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Home economics doyenne Martha Stewart will roast the misbehaving Bieber.
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"Undateable" actor Chris D'Elia will serve as a roaster.

See video: Justin Bieber Gets Groped by ‘Belieber’ Jeffrey Ross in Calvin Klein Ad Spoof
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Roast veteran Natasha Leggero won't hold any punches.
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"Pretty Little Liars" star Ashley Benson will watch them murder Justin Bieber with jokes.
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Roaster Shaquille O'Neal is around to judge if the jokes are a slam dunk.

Also read: Why Seth Rogen Won’t Roast Justin Bieber
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Chrissy Teigen is getting a leg up on the competition.
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Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred will make sure Justin Bieber doesn't get arrested.
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Justin Bieber waits backstage.

Also read: Justin Bieber Roast: 13 Best Jokes From Inside the Comedy Central Show
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Justin Bieber waits backstage with a choir about to take the stage.
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Kendall Jenner, on left, and Kourtney Kardashian grab a drink while waiting for the roast to start.
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A winged Justin Bieber mannequin descended down on the roast.

See video: Justin Bieber Gets a Bullseye Tattoo in Comedy Central Roast Teaser
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Comedians Hannibal Buress and Chris D'Elia, domestic expert Martha Stewart, rapper Snoop Dogg, and honoree Justin Bieber on the dais.
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Oh, Justin, you don't want to do that.
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Will Ferrell makes a surprise appearance as "Anchorman" character Ron Burgundy.

See video: Justin Bieber Gets Egged Mercilessly in Comedy Central Roast Promo
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Snoop Dogg on Kevin Hart: “Kevin is from Philadelphia, just like Bill Cosby. And just like Bill Cosby — women can’t tell when Kevin is inside them.”
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Ludacris on Shaquille O’Neal: “Shaq is the first player in the NBA whose shoe size, IQ and jersey are all the same number.
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Martha Stewart, roastmaster Kevin Hart, and Justin Bieber on the dais.

See video: Justin Bieber Talks Underwear, Comedy Central Roast, Recent Mistakes on ‘Ellen’
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Shaquille O'Neal takes his turn at Justin Bieber.
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Martha Stewart on Hart’s hosting skills: “Kevin, listening to you yell your jokes for the past two hours is the hardest time I’ve ever done.”
Jeff Ross on Bieber’s ex-girlfriend: “Did you break up with Selena Gomez because she grew a mustache before you?”
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Natasha Leggero on fellow roaster Martha Stewart: “I’m not saying Martha Stewart is old, but she needs a new Walker more than the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise.”
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Chris D’elia on Shaquille O’Neal: “People don’t realize this, but those ‘I Can’t Breathe” T-shirts were about Shaq’s last season with the Celtics.”
Pete Davidson on Kevin Hart fans: “If you don’t know who Kevin Hart is, congratulations on finishing college. Kevin’s next special is just him jiggling keys at you.”
Justin Bieber gets his turn at the roasters.
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Justin Bieber wants you.
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Justin Bieber is reunited with the adorable monkey he adopted then abandoned.
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