US EditionAmerican comedians at Saudi festival draw backlash from human rights groups
Comedians face censorship while performing at the Saudi-funded Riyadh Comedy Festival amid criticism over human rights abuses and the 241 executions reported by Human Rights Watch in 2025.
- American comedians, including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle and Chris Tucker, performed at a comedy festival in Saudi Arabia, drawing backlash from human rights groups over the country's record on civil liberties.
- Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka turned down the festival over censorship rules, with Bill Burr saying organizers were told 'If you want some good comedians, this isn't going to work.'
- Human Rights Watch accused the festival of trying to 'whitewash' Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses, noting it occurred around the anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's killing.
72 Articles
72 Articles
Sentinel and Enterprise
NY Daily NewsBill Burr defends controversial Saudi Arabia comedy festival gig
Comedian Bill Burr is showing no remorse for performing at a controversial comedy festival in Saudi Arabia. The Emmy- and Grammy-nominated funnyman is defending his decision to headline the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which kicked off last week in the Middle East. Burr is among dozens of comics — including A-listers Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings and Pete Davidson — who are participating in the inaugural event.…
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is currently underway in Saudi Arabia. The stage features international comedians such as Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K. and Pete Davidson. But the participants are now being accused of whitewashing a dictatorship with no respect for human rights.
Chappelle says it’s easier to speak freely at Saudi Arabian comedy fest than in USA, brings up Charlie Kirk
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Comedians like Dave Chappelle poked fun at an alleged chilling effect on free speech in the U.S. after they signed contracts to do government-approved comedy acts at a festival in Saudi Arabia. In the weeks since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, some left-wing media figures have found themselves in hot water for remarks about the killing and his alleged assassin. After the brief…
Chappelle says it's easier to speak freely at Saudi Arabian comedy fest than in USA, brings up Charlie Kirk
Dave Chappelle claims it's easier to speak freely at a Saudi Arabian comedy festival than in America, joking about potential cancellation over Charlie Kirk comments.
A stand-up festival organized in the Saudi capital by the reigning dynasty hosts an aréopage of American superstars, from Dave Chappelle to Louis C.K. An earthquake in the landscape and a shame that risks continuing them.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
