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Louis CK has defended his choice to take the stage at the Riyadh comedy festival after fellow comedians questioned major stars taking part as whitewashing a government guilty of rights violations.

Varied Responses from Performers

During an appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the event with UK comic Jimmy Carr, stated other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the reaction from audiences in Riyadh.

A star-studded lineup including top comics are part of the lineup at the Riyadh comedy festival, which concludes on October 9th.

“There’s a woman who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who performed there, and she received enthusiastic applause,” he remarked, mentioning another comic, who has apologized for appearing at the festival.

Unexpected Developments

“So, there’s stuff unfolding that’s surprising in the situation,” the comedian added. “Artists have been playing Saudi Arabia for a long time. Comedians have been traveling and entertaining in the region. There was a film festival there lately, signaling openness. But I’ve always said no to those nations.”

He explained he was told there would be only two restrictions on what he could talk about: “Their religion and their government.”

“I don’t have jokes about those two things,” 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 when I heard it’s opening, I felt, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a good opportunity. And I believe humor is an effective means to get in and initiate dialogue.”

Ethical Questions Highlighted

Many performers have raised doubts about the ethics of performing comedy at a gathering directly paid for by the Saudi Arabian government, which is notorious for rights issues and censorship, and its oppression of journalists, women and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers include a live events company owned by the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser facing claims of human rights violations.

Human Rights Watch argued the event was an attempt by the Saudi government to cover up its actions “during a rise in crackdown including a crackdown on free speech, which many of these comedians defend but people in Saudi Arabia are not allowed”.

Harsh Feedback

Comedians such as well-known names have been highly critical of those who have complained about cancel culture and restrictions in the past for participating in Riyadh, with one comic publishing a strongly worded critique that called out the headliner by name.

“Clearly you guys show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?” he stated. “Your complaints about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘free expression’ and all that shit? Over. No more discussing about it anymore. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to agree to.”

CK addressed the backlash on the program.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he said. “I deliberated about participating once I heard what everybody was saying. There’s some good in it, maybe some bad. But in my view, I believe it cuts toward going. That’s my decision, 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 opportunities are expanding and beginning to grow, I want to witness it, I wish to participate. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

Kirson, who performed at the Riyadh festival on September 29, explained to a publication that she had requested a guarantee that she could talk about being a lesbian on during her set, stating she “hoped that it might assist the community in the country gain visibility and respected … as far as I know, I am the first openly gay comic to address it on stage”.

But she clarified: “At the same time, I sincerely apologize for participating supported by the authorities.” She apologised to supporters who were disappointed by “a misstep that had repercussions I overlooked” and said she would donate her payment to a rights group.

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

“It was fantastic to explore the region and to be a part of the inaugural humor event over there,” he said on his podcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. The response was positive. The people that were doing the festival were delighted. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Dude, you can sense [crowd] were eager. They desire authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s paving the way for a lot of positive things.”