David Cross Condemns Fellow Comedians for Participating in saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival
Comedian David Cross has sharply criticized colleagues accepting performance offers at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, framing the event as a public relations maneuver by a regime with a deeply troubling human rights record.Cross’s condemnation arrives during a week marking the seventh anniversary of the 2018 assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a case U.S. intelligence assessments concluded was orchestrated by agents of the Saudi government.
The festival, set to take place in Riyadh, has drawn controversy as several prominent American comedians reportedly accepted substantial fees to perform, despite calls for a boycott given Saudi Arabia’s history of suppressing dissent and its ongoing human rights abuses. The event coincides with renewed demands from activists for the release of unjustly detained Saudi dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists.The controversy highlights a broader ethical debate within the comedy world regarding artistic freedom versus accountability and complicity with authoritarian regimes.
Cross leveled his criticism via social media, specifically targeting comedians he believes are prioritizing financial gain over ethical considerations. He accused them of enabling a regime attempting to “sportswash” its image through entertainment.
Several other comedians have publicly addressed the festival. Marc Maron, in a stand-up clip, denounced the event as being ”from the folks that brought you 9/11.” Shane gillis stated he declined a “significant bag” after taking a “principled stand” against performing. Atsuko Okatsuka shared on Threads that she turned down an offer,citing the Crown Prince’s alleged involvement in executions and lack of due process,and noting that participating comedians were required to adhere to censorship rules.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is occurring as Saudi Arabia continues to face international scrutiny for its human rights record. A 2021 U.S. intelligence assessment detailed the Saudi government’s role in Khashoggi’s murder, which took place at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.The festival’s timing and the participation of high-profile comedians have ignited a debate about the responsibilities of artists when presented with opportunities from governments accused of widespread human rights violations.
