Comedian Jimmy Carr has defended his performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, arguing that critics should accept cultural differences. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Carr said: “I think we need to give up on the idea that the Middle East becomes Western Europe. The Middle East is a very different place.”
The 53-year-old, known for 8 Out Of 10 Cats, was among performers criticised over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Human Rights Watch said the festival deflected attention from “brutal repression of free speech”. Carr countered: “The thing that I like about Saudi Arabia is the direction of travel. Look at where it was 10 years ago. Look at where it is now.”
When asked about his fee, Carr said he was paid “a commensurate amount with selling out an 8,000 seater room”. He added: “I earned it.” On free speech, he noted: “You have to deal with the consequences. If you’re going to say that, you’ve got to be willing to say it and go, yeah, I don’t regret telling that joke.”
Amnesty International UK criticised Carr’s comments. Felix Jakens, head of campaigns, said: “This is entertainment-washing in action… No amount of laughter can disguise the reality of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.” He cited a record 345 executions in 2023, imprisoned activists, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, adding: “Performing ‘free speech’ in a country where speaking freely can cost you your life isn’t brave – it’s hypocrisy.”
