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Louis CK has defended his decision to take the stage at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following other comics criticised major stars taking part as whitewashing a government responsible for rights violations.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

Speaking on Real Time With Bill Maher, CK, who is co-headlining the event with UK comic his counterpart, said other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

A star-studded lineup including top comics are among the lineup at the Riyadh comedy festival, which finishes on 9 October.

“There’s a woman who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she received enthusiastic applause,” CK said, mentioning another comic, who has apologized for performing at the festival.

Surprising Outcomes

“So, there’s stuff going on that’s surprising in the situation,” the comedian continued. “People have been performing in the kingdom for years. Comedians have been going and entertaining in Arab countries. There was a film festival there lately, signaling openness. But I previously declined offers to those nations.”

CK said he was told there would be only two restrictions on his material: “Faith and their government.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those topics,” he added. “Previously, when I received invitations from places like that, there would be a long list, and I’d respond, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But learning about it’s opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a good opportunity. And I just feel comedy is an effective means to get in and start talking.”

Ethical Questions Raised

Several comedians have raised doubts about the ethics of performing comedy at a gathering funded by the Saudi Arabian government, which is known for rights issues and censorship, and its oppression of reporters, females and the LGBTQ community.

The festival’s producers involve a entertainment firm owned by the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is chaired by a advisor facing allegations of abuses.

Human Rights Watch stated the festival was an effort by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “during a rise in repression including a clampdown on free speech, which many of these comedians defend but people in Saudi Arabia are completely denied”.

Harsh Feedback

Comedians such as well-known names have been highly critical of performers who have complained about cancel culture and censorship in the past for participating in the festival, with Cross posting a blistering statement that singled out CK by name.

“Clearly you guys show no concern about others' opinions, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?” he stated. “All of your bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘free expression’ and similar issues? Over. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to sign.”

The comedian acknowledged the criticism on Maher’s show.

“I was conflicted about it too,” he admitted. “I deliberated about going after learning the feedback. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But in my view, I think it cuts toward going. That’s my decision, and I know where it’s coming from, because I can see right inside myself.”

He continued: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the reality that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I think that’s a positive thing.”

Apologies and Justifications

Kirson, who appeared at the event on September 29, explained to a publication that she had requested a guarantee that she could talk about her sexuality on during her set, stating she “believed that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia gain visibility and valued … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to talk about it on stage”.

But she clarified: “At the same time, I sincerely apologize for participating supported by the Saudi government.” She said sorry to supporters who were let down by “a misstep that had consequences I didn’t fully consider” and announced she would donate her fee to a human rights organisation.

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

“It was fantastic to explore that part of the world and to be a part of the first comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” Burr said on his podcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. Everyone was happy. The people that were doing the festival were delighted. The comedians that I’ve been talking to are remarking, ‘Man, you can sense [the audience] wanted it. They desire real standup comedy.’ … I believe it’s paving the way for a lot of positive things.”