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The stand-up comic has justified his choice to perform at the Riyadh comedy festival following other comics criticised major stars participating as glossing over a regime responsible for rights violations.

Varied Responses from Performers

During an appearance on a talk show, CK, who is sharing top billing the festival with British comedian his counterpart, stated fellow performers had been “really surprised” by the reaction from crowds in Riyadh.

A star-studded lineup including top comics are among the roster at the Riyadh comedy festival, which finishes on 9 October.

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

Unexpected Developments

“So, there’s stuff unfolding that’s surprising in this thing,” CK added. “Artists have been performing in the kingdom for a long time. Stand-up artists have been traveling and entertaining in Arab countries. There was a film festival there lately, signaling openness. But I’ve always said no to those nations.”

CK explained he was told there would be just a couple of limits on his material: “Their religion and their government.”

“I don’t have jokes about those two things,” he added. “Previously, when I got offers from places like that, there would be extensive restrictions, and I’d respond, ‘I'll pass.’ But learning about it’s opening, I thought, it's intriguing. It seems like a positive step. And I just feel comedy is a great way to get in and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Highlighted

Several comedians have raised doubts about the morality of performing comedy at a gathering funded by the Saudi Arabian government, which is notorious for rights issues and censorship, and its suppression of reporters, females and the LGBTQ community.

The festival’s producers involve a live events company under the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a advisor dogged by claims of human rights violations.

A rights organization stated the event was an effort by the authorities to cover up its policies “amid a rise in repression including a clampdown on expression, which many of these comedians defend but locals are completely denied”.

Scathing Criticism

Performers including well-known names have been highly critical of those who have spoken out about cancel culture and restrictions in the past for participating in Riyadh, with one comic posting a strongly worded critique that called out CK by name.

“Clearly you guys show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us respect you from now on?” Cross stated. “All of your bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘free expression’ and similar issues? Done. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to sign.”

The comedian addressed the backlash on the program.

“I was conflicted about it too,” he said. “I deliberated about participating once I heard the feedback. There’s some good in it, maybe some bad. But for me, I think it cuts toward taking part. That’s my decision, and I know where it’s coming from, because I can see right inside myself.”

He continued: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the reality that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I feel it's beneficial.”

Regrets and Defenses

Kirson, who appeared at the Riyadh festival on September 29, told media that she had asked for a guarantee that she could talk about being a lesbian on stage, stating she “hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in the country gain visibility and respected … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to talk about it on stage”.

But she clarified: “At the same time, I deeply regret taking part under the auspices of the authorities.” She apologised to supporters who were let down by “a misstep that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider” and announced she would give her fee to a human rights organisation.

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

“It was fantastic to explore the region and to participate in the inaugural humor event in Saudi Arabia,” Burr said on a broadcast. “The royals enjoyed the performance. Everyone was happy. Organizers that were doing the festival were thrilled. The comedians that I’ve been talking to are remarking, ‘Dude, you can feel [the audience] were eager. They want to see authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s paving the way for many benefits.”