Global Comedians Face Backlash Over Riyadh Comedy Festival Participation Amid Human Rights Concerns

The Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025, held in Saudi Arabia, features prominent comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Louis CK, and Pete Davidson, drawing significant attention and controversy. Many performers are reportedly receiving large fees, with Tim Dillon claiming substantial payment before being removed for criticizing the Saudi government. The festival has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and fellow comedians for whitewashing Saudi Arabia's poor record on free speech and human rights abuses, especially as the event coincides with the anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Several comedians, including Atsuko Okatsuka and Shane Gillis, declined to participate due to ethical concerns and strict content censorship imposed by Saudi authorities, which prohibit jokes about the kingdom, its royal family, and legal system. Critics argue that participating artists risk complicity in the regime's efforts to use the festival for political image rehabilitation, while some performers defend their involvement by focusing on the lucrative financial incentives. The debate highlights the tensions between artistic freedom, human rights advocacy, and financial opportunity in international entertainment events.