‘They Pay Me Enough to Look Other Way’, US Comedians Criticized for Playing in Saudi Amid Human Rights Concerns
The inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, billed as “the biggest comedy festival in the world,” is underway in Saudi Arabia from September 26 to October 9, featuring some of the biggest names in American stand-up. The lineup includes Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Jo Koy, Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings, and Pete Davidson, among others, all performing under contracts funded by the Saudi government. The festival is organized by Sela, a Saudi state-owned live events company, and the General Entertainment Authority, headed by royal adviser Turki al-Sheikh. The involvement of al-Sheikh, who has faced accusations of human rights abuses and repression of critics, has fueled controversy. U.S.-based agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) and Bruce Hills, former president of Canada’s Just for Laughs festival, are also serving as producers and consultants. Rights groups and fellow comedians have condemned the festival as an attempt at cultural “whitewashing.” Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea said the event coincides with “a significant increase in repression, including a crackdown on free speech.” Several comedians have spoken out against their peers for accepting Saudi money. Marc Maron accused participants of working for the same regime responsible for journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Comedian Shane Gillis said he turned down a “significant” offer because of Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in 9/11, while David Cross published an open letter calling the festival “gross” and “disappointing.” Other performers, however, have openly acknowledged the financial incentives. Tim Dillon claimed he was offered $375,000, while Pete Davidson suggested he was willing to overlook Saudi Arabia’s record for the “number” on his contract. Content restrictions shared by comedian Atsuko Okatsuka revealed bans on material critical of the kingdom, its leaders, or legal system. Despite this, top headliners — most of them multimillionaires — are expected to perform before Saudi audiences in what critics see as a major test of the industry’s proclaimed commitment to free speech.
If you value our journalism…
TMJ News is committed to remaining an independent, reader-funded news platform. A small donation from our valuable readers like you keeps us running so that we can keep our reporting open to all! We’ve launched a fundraising campaign to raise the $10,000 we need to meet our publishing costs this year, and it’d mean the world to us if you’d make a monthly or one-time donation to help. If you value what we publish and agree that our world needs alternative voices like ours in the media, please give what you can today.
Author
Related
Texas Woman Sentenced to Five Years for Attempted Drowning of 3-Yr-Old Palestinian-American Girl
A Texas woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to drown…
‘Gen Z’ Anti-Government Protests Rage Across Morocco for Fourth Day
Anti-government protests have swept across Morocco for a fourth consecutive night, with young demonstrators pouring…
Virginia Man Facing Terrorism Charges After Threatening to Attack Dearborn Mosque with AR-15 Rifle
A Virginia man has been indicted on terrorism charges after allegedly threatening to carry out…
