Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that it cannot accept donations from comedians who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. The organisation urged participants to instead call for the release of detained Saudi activists.
HRW researcher Joey Shea said in a statement: “Human Rights Watch didn’t call for comedians to boycott the Riyadh Comedy Festival, but simply asked them to express their support for free speech by urging the release of Saudi activists unjustly imprisoned.” She added that while the group cannot accept donations, “it is not too late for them to call for the release of detained Saudi activists.”
Aziz Ansari had announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he planned to donate part of his fee to HRW and Reporters Without Borders. He acknowledged the concerns, saying: “I share the concerns that people have brought up, and it’s all valid. It’s a complicated issue, but I felt like it’s something that pushing things in the right direction, I hope.”
Fellow performer Jessica Kirson expressed regret, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government. I donated the entirety of what I was paid to perform there to a human rights organization.”
Critics have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, including the role of officials in the 9/11 attacks and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The festival, organised by Saudi minister of entertainment Turki Al-Sheikh, also featured comedians such as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Pete Davidson.
