US EditionRiyadh Comedy Festival Proceeds as Top Comics Face Intensifying Backlash
More than 50 international comedians perform amid accusations the festival whitewashes Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses, with some declining over ethical concerns, Human Rights Watch said.
- Bill Burr performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, described as the biggest comedy festival in the world, despite concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
- Comedians like Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart faced backlash for being involved in an event criticized for 'comedy-washing' by advocates.
- Performers negotiated speech restrictions down to avoid making fun of royals and religion, highlighting a history of political censorship in Saudi Arabia.
- International organizations like Amnesty International condemned the festival, emphasizing ongoing human rights abuses in the kingdom, including executions and repression of free speech.
118 Articles
118 Articles
Dictatorships are not known for their sense of humor. That’s why I didn’t see it coming that Saudi Arabia would stage a comedy festival. I learned thanks to a video on Zach Woods networks, comedian and actor of series like The Office and Silicon Valley. In his video he charges against the festival, which is held from September 26th to October 9th, and features Dave Chapelle, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart and Jimmy Carr, among other people who apparent…
The festival, organized by Saudi Arabia, is criticized by comedians and Human Rights Watch.
The "Riyadh Comedy Festival" lured famous humorists into the Saudi capital with huge gags. Organisations such as "Human Rights Watch" criticise that they are helping to conceal human rights violations.
Pete Davidson and Kevin Hart among comedians criticised for controversial comedy festival - The Mirror
Bill Burr and Jimmy Carr are among the many comedians receiving backlash from comedy colleagues and the public after signing on to the Riyadh Comedy festival despite Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses
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