🔗 Share this article

Louis CK has defended his decision to take the stage at the Riyadh comedy festival after other comics criticised major stars participating as whitewashing a government responsible for rights violations.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

Speaking on Real Time With Bill Maher, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the event with British comedian his counterpart, said fellow performers had been “really surprised” by the reaction from audiences in Riyadh.

Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Tom Segura and Jeff Ross are among the roster at the Saudi event, which concludes on 9 October.

“There’s a woman who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” CK remarked, referring to Jessica Kirson, who has apologized for appearing at the event.

Unexpected Developments

“Clearly, developments unfolding that’s surprising in the situation,” CK added. “People have been playing the kingdom for years. Stand-up artists have been traveling and entertaining in the region. There was a film festival there lately, it’s kind of opened up. But I previously declined offers to those nations.”

He said he was told there would be only two restrictions on his material: “Their religion and their government.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those topics,” he added. “Previously, when I received invitations from places like that, there would be extensive restrictions, and I’d just say, ‘I'll pass.’ But learning about the opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a good opportunity. And I believe humor is an effective means to get in and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Raised

Several comedians have raised doubts about the morality of performing comedy at a festival directly paid for by the Saudi Arabian government, which is notorious for rights issues and censorship, and its suppression of journalists, females and the LGBTQ community.

The festival’s producers include a live events company owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser dogged by claims of human rights violations.

A rights organization argued the event was an attempt by the authorities to cover up its policies “amid significant increase in repression including a clampdown on free speech, which many of these comedians champion but people in Saudi Arabia are not allowed”.

Harsh Feedback

Performers such as well-known names have been scathing of those who have complained about public backlash and censorship in the past for agreeing to take part in Riyadh, with one comic posting a blistering statement that called out CK by name.

“Evidently, participants show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?” Cross wrote. “All of your bitching about ‘public shaming’ and ‘free expression’ and similar issues? Done. You don’t get to talk about it ever again. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to agree to.”

The comedian acknowledged the backlash on Maher’s show.

“I was conflicted about it as well,” he said. “I deliberated about participating once I heard what everybody was saying. Potential benefits in it, maybe some bad. But for me, I believe it leans towards taking part. My choice, and I understand my motives, because I've reflected deeply.”

He added: “I love standup comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the reality that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wanna be part of it. I think that’s a positive thing.”

Regrets and Defenses

The lesbian comic, who appeared at the event on 29 September, told media that she had asked for a guarantee that she could talk about being a lesbian on during her set, stating she “believed that it might assist LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia gain visibility and respected … as far as I know, I am the pioneer to address it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she added: “At the same time, I sincerely apologize for participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She apologised to fans who were disappointed by “a misstep that had repercussions I overlooked” and announced she would give her fee to a rights group.

Burr, who performed in the capital on September 26, defended his choice to participate, describing it as “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was great to experience the region and to be a part of the inaugural humor event over there,” Burr said on his podcast. “Officials loved the show. The response was positive. Organizers running the event were delighted. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Dude, you can feel [the audience] wanted it. They want to see authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s going to lead to a lot of positive things.”