Louis C.K. Expresses Internal Conflict Before Performing at Controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Comedian Louis C.K. admitted to experiencing “mixed feelings” before agreeing to perform at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the ethical concerns raised by fellow comedians and human rights advocates. His participation, alongside a growing list of prominent American comics, has ignited debate over whether performing in the kingdom amounts to legitimizing a regime with a troubling human rights record.
C.K. stated, “I love stand-up comedy, and I love comedians.So,the fact that that’s starting to open up and starting to bud,I wanna see it,I wanna be part of it. I think that’s a positive thing.” He further elaborated, “I think the whole discussion is worthy. I’m glad these guys brought this stuff up, I’m glad that people are challenging this thing, as you shouldn’t just pretend it’s something it’s not.” Despite his initial hesitation, C.K. ultimately decided to proceed, explaining, “I struggled about going once I heard what everybody was saying… But for me, I think it cuts toward going. That’s my decision, and I know where it’s coming from, because I can see right inside myself.”
the Riyadh comedy festival, backed by Saudi Minister of Entertainment Turki Al-Sheikh, has drawn criticism due to saudi Arabia’s involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and also ongoing human rights abuses. Several comedians, including Marc Maron, Shane Gillis, and Zach Woods, have publicly criticized their peers for participating.
Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told CBS News that events like the festival are “a purposeful effort to whitewash the country’s human rights record and deflect from the egregious abuses that continue to happen inside of the country.” Shea added that the festival is part of a broader strategy to shift focus “from the soaring number of executions that are happening inside of the country.”
Announced in July,the festival lineup has expanded to include Kevin Hart,Aziz Ansari,Dave Chappelle,Bill Burr,Whitney Cummings,Pete Davidson,Hannibal Buress,Jack Whitehall,Zarna Garg,Gabriel Iglesias,Jim Jefferies,Jo Koy,Bobby Lee,Jeff Ross,Andrew Santino,Tom Segura,and Chris Tucker,among others.
