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The stand-up comic has justified his decision to perform at the Riyadh comedy festival following other comics questioned major stars participating as glossing over a government guilty of rights violations.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

Speaking on a talk show, CK, who is co-headlining the festival with UK comic Jimmy Carr, said other comedians had been “really surprised” by the reaction from audiences in the Saudi capital.

Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Tom Segura and Jeff Ross are part of the roster at the Riyadh comedy festival, which concludes on 9 October.

“There’s a woman who’s openly gay and of Jewish faith, who did a show there, and she received enthusiastic applause,” he said, referring to Jessica Kirson, who has apologized for performing at the festival.

Surprising Outcomes

“Clearly, developments unfolding that’s surprising in the situation,” CK continued. “People have been performing in Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been traveling and playing the region. A cinema event took place there recently, signaling openness. But I previously declined offers to Arab countries.”

He said he was told there would be only two restrictions on his material: “Faith and the authorities.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those topics,” he noted. “It used to be, when I received invitations from places like that, there would be a long list, and I’d respond, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But learning about the opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a positive step. And I just feel humor is a great way to engage and start talking.”

Ethical Questions Highlighted

Many performers have raised doubts about the morality of performing comedy at a gathering directly paid for by the kingdom's authorities, which is known for human rights abuses and restrictions, and its oppression of reporters, women and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers involve a live events company owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is chaired by a advisor facing claims of human rights violations.

A rights organization stated the festival was an effort by the authorities to cover up its actions “during a rise in crackdown including a clampdown on expression, which many of these comedians champion but locals are not allowed”.

Scathing Criticism

Comedians including well-known names have been highly critical of performers who have spoken out about cancel culture and censorship in the past for agreeing to take part in Riyadh, with Cross publishing a blistering statement that singled out CK by name.

“Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us respect you ever again?” Cross stated. “All of your bitching about ‘public shaming’ and ‘free expression’ and all that shit? Over. No more discussing about it anymore. By now we’ve all seen the agreement you had to agree to.”

CK addressed the criticism on the program.

“I was conflicted about it as well,” he admitted. “I struggled about going after learning the feedback. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But for me, I believe it cuts toward going. My choice, and I understand my motives, because I can see right inside myself.”

He continued: “I'm passionate about comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the fact that that’s opening up and beginning to grow, I want to witness it, I wish to participate. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

The lesbian comic, who appeared at the event on 29 September, told media that she had requested a guarantee that she could talk about her sexuality on stage, saying she “believed that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and respected … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to address it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she clarified: “At the same time, I sincerely apologize for taking part under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She apologised to supporters who were disappointed by “a poor decision that had repercussions I overlooked” and said she would donate her payment to a human rights organisation.

Burr, who appeared in Riyadh on September 26, supported his choice to take part, describing it as “an incredible opportunity”.

“It was great to explore that part of the world and to be a part of the first comedy festival over there,” Burr said on his podcast. “The royals enjoyed the performance. The response was positive. Organizers running the festival were delighted. The comedians that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Dude, you can feel [the audience] wanted it. They want to see real standup comedy.’ … I think it’s paving the way for many benefits.”