Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said it is “unable to accept” donations from comedians who performed at the first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, after Aziz Ansari announced plans to donate part of his fee to rights groups. The festival, held from 26 September to 9 October 2025, was part of the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 initiative, which also includes the controversial LIV Golf tournament and investments in tech and gaming.
Major comedians including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Jack Whitehall, Aziz Ansari, and Jimmy Carr performed at the event, facing criticism from peers and fans who labelled them “sellouts” due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Critics highlighted issues such as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a rise in executions for non-lethal and drug-related crimes, and long prison sentences for social media posts.
Ansari defended his decision, saying he did not think it was fair to “ascribe the worst behaviour of the government” to the people living in the country. He added that he shared the concerns raised and discussed donating part of his fee to causes supporting free press and human rights, including Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch. Comedian Jessica Kirson also expressed regret and said she would donate her entire fee to an undisclosed human rights organisation.
In a statement, HRW researcher Joey Shea said the organisation urged the comedians to call for the release of detained activists Waleed Abu al-Khair and Manahel al-Otaibi, but none appeared to have done so publicly. “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,” Shea said.
Shea added that while HRW could not accept the donations, it was not too late for the comedians to call for the release of detained activists. “The Riyadh Comedy Festival is part of the Saudi government’s strategy to whitewash its poor human rights record, and participating comedians have a responsibility to avoid laundering the government’s reputation,” she said.
Other comedians have defended their participation, citing high pay. Pete Davidson said he agreed after seeing the fee, while Jim Jefferies and Chris Distefano also cited financial reasons. Comedian Shane Gillis turned down an offer, citing alleged Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks, which Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied. Marc Maron questioned the irony of edgy comedians performing in a kingdom accused of repressing free speech.
