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The stand-up comic has justified his choice to take the stage at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following other comics questioned big names taking part as glossing over a government guilty of rights violations.

Varied Responses from Performers

Speaking on a talk show, the comedian, who is co-headlining the festival with UK comic Jimmy Carr, stated fellow performers had been “quite taken aback” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Tom Segura and Jeff Ross are among the lineup at the Riyadh comedy festival, which concludes on October 9th.

“A performer who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she received enthusiastic applause,” CK said, mentioning Jessica Kirson, who has apologized for appearing at the event.

Surprising Outcomes

“Clearly, developments unfolding that’s surprising in this thing,” the comedian added. “Artists have been performing in Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been traveling and entertaining in Arab countries. There was a film festival there recently, signaling openness. But I previously declined offers to those nations.”

He explained he was informed there would be only two restrictions on his material: “Their religion and their government.”

“I don’t have jokes about those topics,” he added. “Previously, when I received invitations from such locations, there would be a long list, and I’d respond, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But when I heard the opening, I thought, it's intriguing. It seems like a good opportunity. And I believe comedy is an effective means to engage and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Raised

Several comedians have raised doubts about the morality of performing comedy at a gathering funded by the kingdom's authorities, which is notorious for human rights abuses and censorship, and its oppression of journalists, females and the LGBTQ community.

The festival’s producers involve a entertainment firm owned by the state investment fund; and the kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, which is chaired by a royal adviser facing claims of abuses.

Human Rights Watch stated the festival was an effort by the authorities to cover up its policies “during a rise in repression including a crackdown on free speech, which many of these comedians champion but locals are not allowed”.

Scathing Criticism

Performers including well-known names have been scathing of those who have spoken out about cancel culture and restrictions in the past for participating in the festival, with one comic publishing a blistering statement that singled out CK by name.

“Evidently, participants show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can we take any of you seriously from now on?” Cross stated. “All of your bitching about ‘public shaming’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Over. You don’t get to talk about it ever again. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to agree to.”

The comedian acknowledged the criticism on Maher’s show.

“I had mixed feelings about it as well,” he admitted. “I struggled about going after learning the feedback. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But in my view, I think it leans towards going. My choice, and I understand my motives, because I can see right inside myself.”

He continued: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and beginning to grow, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

The lesbian comic, who performed at the event on September 29, explained to a publication that she had requested a assurance that she could talk about her sexuality on stage, stating she “hoped that it might assist LGBTQ+ people in the country gain visibility and valued … as far as I know, I am the pioneer to address it on stage”.

But she added: “At the same time, I deeply regret participating supported by the authorities.” She said sorry to supporters who were disappointed by “a misstep that had repercussions I overlooked” and said she would donate her fee to a rights group.

Another headliner, who appeared in Riyadh on 26 September, supported his choice to participate, calling it “an incredible opportunity”.

“It was great to explore that part of the world and to be a part of the first comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” Burr commented on his podcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. The response was positive. Organizers running the festival were thrilled. Fellow performers I've spoken with are saying, ‘Dude, you can sense [crowd] were eager. They desire authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s going to lead to a lot of positive things.”