The upcoming appearance of comedian Sugar Sammy at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia has sparked significant controversy. Scheduled between September 26 and October 9, this event claims to be the largest comedy gathering worldwide. While attracting international stars, it has also drawn criticism due to the regime’s human rights record in the kingdom.
Controversy Surrounding Sugar Sammy’s Appearance
Recently, Sugar Sammy expressed his excitement on Instagram about performing in Saudi Arabia. He stated, “Since freedom of expression is under threat in America, I guess I need to diversify my audience… Saudi Arabia and Dubai, here I come!” This announcement coincided with outrage in the U.S. regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary removal from his show at the request of then-President Donald Trump.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival
The Riyadh Comedy Festival aims to showcase a series of comedy acts, featuring popular comedians from around the globe. However, the festival has been criticized by Human Rights Watch, which argues that the Saudi government is using the event to distract attention from its repressive actions.
Calls for Action from Human Rights Watch
- The organization issued a statement urging participating comedians to speak out against human rights abuses.
- Joey Shea, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, emphasized that the anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination should not be treated lightly in a comedic context.
Khashoggi was known for his critical stance against the Saudi government before being murdered in the Turkish consulate in 2018. U.S. intelligence reports indicated that the assassination had the approval of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Rising Executions in Saudi Arabia
Human Rights Watch has reported a disturbing rise in executions in Saudi Arabia. By August 5, 2025, 241 executions had been confirmed, including that of journalist Turki al-Jasser, who was executed on June 14 for exposing corruption among the Saudi royal family.
Comedians Under Pressure
Reports suggest that comedians performing at the festival may face restrictions on their content in exchange for substantial fees. For instance, comedian Tim Dillon allegedly received $375,000, while others reportedly earned as much as $1.6 million for their participation.
Dillon’s appearance was canceled after he mentioned human rights issues during a performance in the United States. This sparked further backlash against the Riyadh Comedy Festival, leading prominent U.S. comedians, including David Cross, to publicly criticize the event.
As the festival approaches, the tension between artistic expression and human rights remains a point of contention within the comedy community. Sugar Sammy has yet to comment on the growing controversy, with his publicist stating he is currently unavailable for interviews.
