Louis CK has defended his decision to perform at the Riyadh comedy festival in Saudi Arabia, despite criticism from fellow comedians who accuse participants of whitewashing a regime with a poor human rights record. Speaking on Real Time With Bill Maher, CK said other comedians had been “really surprised” by the positive audience response in Riyadh.
The festival, which runs until 9 October, features a lineup including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Tom Segura and Jeff Ross. CK is co-headlining with British comedian Jimmy Carr.
CK acknowledged mixed feelings but said he saw the event as “a good opportunity”. He noted that a lesbian Jewish comedian, Jessica Kirson, received a standing ovation, though she later expressed “sincere regret” for performing. CK said he was told only two topics were off-limits: religion and the Saudi government, adding, “I don’t have jokes about those two things.”
Critics, including Human Rights Watch, argue the festival is an attempt by the Saudi government to whitewash its actions amid increased repression. Comedian David Cross published a blistering statement calling out CK by name, saying participants can no longer complain about cancel culture or freedom of speech.
CK responded: “I had mixed feelings about it too. I struggled about going once I heard what everybody was saying. There’s some good in it, maybe some bad in it. But for me, I think it cuts toward going.” He added: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact 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.”
