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Louis CK has defended his choice to perform at the humor event in Saudi Arabia after other comics questioned big names taking part as glossing over a government guilty of human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Performers

During an appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher, CK, who is co-headlining the event with UK comic his counterpart, stated other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

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

“A performer who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” CK remarked, referring to another comic, who has apologized for performing at the festival.

Surprising Outcomes

“So, there’s stuff unfolding that’s surprising in this thing,” CK continued. “Artists have been performing in Saudi Arabia for a long time. Stand-up artists have been going and playing Arab countries. A cinema event took place there recently, it’s kind of opened up. But I’ve always said no to those nations.”

He said he was informed there would be just a couple of limits on what he could talk about: “Faith and the authorities.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those topics,” he added. “It used to be, when I received invitations from such locations, there would be extensive restrictions, and I’d respond, ‘I'll pass.’ But when I heard the opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a good opportunity. And I just feel humor is a great way to engage and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Highlighted

Many performers have raised doubts about the ethics of performing comedy at a gathering funded by the Saudi Arabian government, which is known for rights issues and restrictions, and its oppression of reporters, females and LGBTQ rights.

Event organizers include a entertainment firm under Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser dogged by claims of abuses.

Human Rights Watch argued the event was an effort by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “during significant increase in repression including a crackdown on free speech, which many of these comedians champion but locals are completely denied”.

Scathing Criticism

Comedians including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been scathing of performers who have spoken out about cancel culture and restrictions in the previous for agreeing to take part in the festival, with one comic publishing a blistering statement that singled out the headliner by name.

“Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can we take any of you seriously from now on?” Cross stated. “All of your bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘free expression’ and similar issues? Over. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to agree to.”

The comedian acknowledged the backlash on Maher’s show.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he admitted. “I struggled about participating once I heard the feedback. There’s some good in it, maybe some bad. But in my view, I think it leans towards taking part. That’s my decision, and I understand my motives, because I've reflected deeply.”

He continued: “I'm passionate about comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the reality that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I think it's beneficial.”

Regrets and Defenses

Kirson, who appeared at the Riyadh festival on 29 September, told media that she had asked for a assurance that she could talk about her sexuality on during her set, saying she “believed that it might assist the community in the country feel seen and respected … as far as I know, I am the pioneer to talk about it on stage”.

But she added: “At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She said sorry to supporters who were disappointed by “a poor decision that had consequences I overlooked” and announced she would donate her payment to a human rights organisation.

Another headliner, who performed in the capital on September 26, defended his choice to participate, calling it “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was fantastic to explore the region and to be a part of the first comedy festival over there,” he commented on his podcast. “Officials loved the show. The response was positive. Organizers that were doing the event were thrilled. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Dude, you can feel [the audience] wanted it. They desire real standup comedy.’ … I believe it’s going to lead to a lot of positive things.”