Whitney Cummings recently addressed the controversy surrounding her participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival during her podcast, “Good For You.” She expressed her belief that critics of the event are often exhibiting ignorance and hypocrisy. Cummings asserted that the backlash primarily stemmed from the festival’s location in the Middle East and labeled the criticism as “racism.”
Critics and Responses
Cummings is not alone in her defense of the festival. Other comedians on the lineup, including Louis C.K. and Aziz Ansari, have also faced scrutiny for their performances in Riyadh. Bill Burr reflected on the backlash, suggesting that critics seemed upset that he would perform in a place where they perceived oppression.
- Bill Burr remarked that critics questioned the morality of making “oppressed people laugh.”
- Cummings countered this by emphasizing that many comedians, including those who work with prominent companies like Live Nation, have previously engaged with Saudi funding.
The Financial Aspect
Human Rights Watch has stated that the event serves to “whitewash” the human rights abuses carried out by the Saudi government. Cummings responded to these concerns by pointing out that almost every comedic act associated with Live Nation has indirectly benefited from similar financial arrangements.
“If you want to be informed, google ‘Saudi Arabia Live Nation’,” she suggested, indicating that those making judgments may not fully understand the industry connections involved.
Cummings’s Evolving Perspective
Whitney Cummings has evolved politically in her recent performances. Her material has often touched on controversial topics, including conspiracy theories related to vaccines and political figures. This shift has occasionally drawn backlash, prompting her to engage directly with critics.
Engagement with Critics
Cummings challenged those opposing her decision to participate in the Riyadh Comedy Festival by describing them as “nepo babies,” suggesting they were privileged individuals who criticize her for financial choices they would not make. She accused them of hypocrisy and questioned their moral standing.
In a related note, Jessica Kirson, another performer at the Riyadh event, has made headlines of her own by donating her entire paycheck to the Human Rights Campaign, further illustrating the varied responses among comedians regarding the festival.
Overall, Cummings’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding performance art in politically charged environments, framing her participation against a broader discussion of artistic freedom and ethical considerations.
