The inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, saw over 50 A-list comedians perform despite controversy surrounding the event. The festival, backed by the Saudi government, featured big-name performers like Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr, but human rights groups criticized it for showcasing comedians in a country with severe human rights concerns.
Comedians like Omid Djalili performed sets about Saudi culture and women’s rights, while others made jokes about transgender people and American politics. However, some faced backlash after making jokes about slavery among migrant workers or criticizing the Saudi government’s human rights record.
The festival sparked major outrage due to its timing coinciding with the 7th anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder in Istanbul. Human Rights Watch called the event an attempt to “whitewash” Saudi abuses, while some comedians turned down offers citing ethical concerns and censorship restrictions.
Performers like Jessica Kirson pledged to donate their fees to Human Rights Campaign after performing, and others faced criticism for not speaking out about human rights issues during the festival. The controversy highlights a fundamental tension facing performers globally: whether attending difficult events can create change or simply provide cover for oppressive regimes.
Source: https://www.red94.net/news/39988-riyadh-comedy-festival-sparks-outrage-as-50-comedians-face-major-backlash