Jessica Kirson Apologizes for Participating in Controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival

The Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia has sparked significant controversy, with comedian Jessica Kirson expressing sincere regret for her participation despite initially hoping to support LGBTQ+ visibility in the country. Kirson, who is openly gay, claimed she was the first openly gay comic to perform there and received positive messages from attendees, but later apologized and donated her payment to human rights groups due to the Saudi government's ongoing human rights violations. Other comedians, including David Cross and Marc Maron, criticized the festival for being a platform used by the Saudi government to whitewash its abuses, with Maron highlighting the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Louis C.K. defended his decision to perform, noting that some aspects of the festival had been unexpectedly positive, such as Kirson receiving a standing ovation, and that restrictions mainly concerned avoiding jokes about religion and government. The event has drawn backlash from comedians and human rights organizations alike, emphasizing the ethical dilemma of performing under a regime with a troubled human rights record.