Louis C.K. recently defended his participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival despite facing criticism from fellow comedians. On the show Real Time With Bill Maher, he shared his initial hesitations about performing in Saudi Arabia but noted that the country is evolving.
Louis C.K.’s Perspective on Riyadh Comedy Festival
C.K. expressed that he has previously declined offers to perform in Arab nations due to concerns over censorship. He stated, “I’ve always said no to Arab countries.” However, he felt intrigued when he learned about the limited restrictions placed on his performance.
The comedian mentioned, “They said there’s only two restrictions; their religion and their government, and I don’t have jokes about those two things.” He recognized the chance for comedians to open dialogue through comedy, calling it a “great way to get in and start talking.”
Response from Fellow Comedians
Other performers have voiced their disapproval of those participating in the festival. Comedians including David Cross and Marc Maron publicly criticized their peers’ involvement. They highlighted human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, questioning the ethical implications of performing there.
- David Cross criticized the financial support from the Crown Prince, who has a history of human rights violations.
- Shane Gillis and Atsuko Okatsuka also expressed their concerns about the implications of performing in the country.
Jessica Kirson, an openly gay comedian who performed at the festival, later issued an apology. She expressed regret for her participation, stating that it weighed heavily on her heart. Kirson aimed to provide visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in Saudi Arabia through her performance.
Views on Future Opportunities
C.K. reflected on the mixed feelings surrounding the festival, asserting that the conversation around it is important. He acknowledged the complexity of participating in such events, saying, “There’s some good in it, maybe some bad in it.”
Other comedians, like Bill Burr, had positive experiences at the festival. Burr described his Riyadh performance as “mind-blowing,” appreciating the local appreciation for the art form.
As the debate continues, the Riyadh Comedy Festival is posed as a reflection of the changing landscape of entertainment in Saudi Arabia, opening potential avenues for dialogue and cultural exchange.
