Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka Alleges Censorship at Saudi Arabia‘s Riyadh Comedy festival
LOS ANGELES – Comedian Atsuko okatsuka revealed alleged “censorship rules” imposed on performers at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, sparking renewed debate over the ethics of accepting financial backing from the Saudi Arabian government.Okatsuka shared a screenshot of an alleged offer on Threads, detailing restrictions on material that could be perceived as critical of the Kingdom, its leadership, or its religious practices.
The festival, which kicked off Friday and runs thru October 9, features a lineup of prominent American comedians including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and Pete Davidson.Okatsuka’s post alleges that participation in the festival requires adherence to strict content guidelines, a claim echoed by fellow comedian Marc Maron, who has publicly criticized the event. The controversy highlights a growing tension within the comedy world regarding artistic freedom versus lucrative opportunities in countries with questionable human rights records.
According to a screenshot shared by Okatsuka, the “Content Restrictions” stipulated that artists “shall not prepare or perform any material that may be considered to degrade, defame, or bring into public disrepute…A) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…B) the Saudi royal family…and; C) Any religion…” Okatsuka noted in her post that the funding for the festival originates with the Crown Prince, who she alleges “actively executes journalists, ppl [sic] with nonlethal drug offenses, bloggers, etc without due process.”
Marc Maron recently addressed the festival during a performance, referencing allegations of saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. “I mean, how do you even promote that? You know, like, ‘From the folks that brought you 9/11. Two weeks of laughter in the desert, don’t miss it!'” Maron said, adding, “The same guy that’s gonna pay them is the same guy that paid that guy to bone saw Jamal Khashoggi and put him in a fucking suitcase. But don’t let that stop the yucks, it’s gonna be a good time!”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival marks Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to diversify its entertainment offerings as part of its “Vision 2030” plan, but the event is now facing scrutiny over the conditions placed on performers and the source of its funding.
