Bill Burr responded โforcefully to criticism regarding his recent performance at the Riyadh comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, โฃdefendingโฃ his decision to appear and challenging those questioning his principles. The comedian addressed the โคcontroversy during a recent SiriusXM show alongside Conan O’Brien,Sona Movsesian,and Matt Gourley,asserting his right to perform for any audience willing to pay forโ a ticket.
The backlash stemmed from Saudi Arabia’s human โฃrights record, prompting accusations that Burr was legitimizing the regime by performing ther.โข Burr’s defence centers on the idea that comedians should not be held responsible for the โฃpolitics of the countries thay visit for work, and that denying performance โคopportunities based on political considerations sets a problematic precedent. the debate highlights a growing tension withinโ the comedy world regarding performing in countries with questionable human rights records, raising questions about artistic freedomโ versus ethical duty.
“I’m a comedian, I sell tickets,” Burr stated, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m โnot a representative of โthe United States government. I don’t have toโฆ answer to โฃyou about that.” He furtherโ argued that if critics were truly concerned, they should focusโ on boycotting allโ products and services originating from Saudi Arabia, not just individual performers.
The SiriusXM show,held October 5,2025,provided a platform for Burr to directly address the criticism that had been circulating online and in media reports followingโ his Riyadh performance. O’Brien and Movsesian offered support, with O’Brien โacknowledging the complexities of the situation and the difficulty of navigating โขsuch controversies. The exchange underscores the broaderโข conversation about the โresponsibilities of artistsโ when โขengaging with international audiences and potentially controversial regimes.
