Louis C.K. Defends Riyadh Performance, Amidst Comedian Backlash
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Louis C.K. has defended his decision to perform at the inaugural Riyadh comedy festival, acknowledging criticism from fellow comedians who accuse him of hypocrisy given his past outspokenness on “cancel culture” and censorship. The festival, held in late September, sparked controversy as several prominent American comedians participated despite Saudi Arabia’s restrictive social and political climate.
Comedians including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross publicly criticized performers for taking part, with Cross publishing a statement on his website calling out C.K. directly. “Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?” Cross wrote. “all of yoru bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Done.You don’t get to talk about it ever again. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to sign.”
C.K.addressed the criticism during an appearance on Bill Maher’s show,stating he had “mixed feelings” about the performance. “I struggled about going once I heard what everybody was saying.There’s some good in it, maybe some bad in it. But for me, I think it cuts toward going,” he said, adding, “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wanna be part of it. I think that’s a positive thing.”
Fellow performer Jessica Kirson, who performed on September 29, told The Hollywood Reporter she had secured a guarantee she could discuss her identity as a lesbian onstage, hoping “this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued.” However, she subsequently apologized for participating “under the auspices of the Saudi government” and pledged to donate her fee to a human rights organization.
Bill Burr, who performed on September 26, defended his participation as “a mind-blowing experience” on his Monday Morning Podcast, stating, ”The royals loved the show. Everyone was happy… I think it’s going to lead to a lot of positive things.”
