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Louis CK has defended his decision to take the stage at the Riyadh comedy festival following fellow comedians questioned major stars taking part as glossing over a government responsible for rights violations.

Varied Responses from Performers

Speaking on Real Time With Bill Maher, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the event with British comedian Jimmy Carr, said fellow performers had been “quite taken aback” by the reaction from crowds in Riyadh.

A star-studded lineup including top comics are among the lineup at the Saudi event, which finishes on 9 October.

“A performer who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” he said, mentioning another comic, who has expressed “sincere regret” for performing at the festival.

Surprising Outcomes

“Clearly, developments going on that’s surprising in the situation,” CK added. “Artists have been performing in the kingdom for a long time. Stand-up artists have been going and entertaining in the region. A cinema event took place there lately, it’s kind of opened up. But I’ve always said no to Arab countries.”

He explained he was told there would be only two restrictions on what he could talk about: “Their religion and the authorities.”

“I don’t have jokes about those topics,” he added. “Previously, when I received invitations from such locations, there would be a long list, and I’d just say, ‘I'll pass.’ But when I heard the opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a good opportunity. And I just feel humor is a great way to engage and initiate dialogue.”

Moral Concerns Raised

Several comedians have questioned the morality of performing comedy at a gathering directly paid for by the kingdom's authorities, which is known for human rights abuses and restrictions, and its oppression of reporters, females and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers involve a entertainment firm under Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is chaired by a advisor facing allegations of abuses.

A rights organization stated the event was an effort by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “amid a rise in repression including a clampdown on expression, which many of these comedians defend but people in Saudi Arabia are completely denied”.

Scathing Criticism

Performers including well-known names have been highly critical of performers who have spoken out about public backlash and censorship in the past for participating in the festival, with one comic publishing a blistering statement that singled out the headliner by name.

“Evidently, participants show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can we take any of you seriously ever again?” Cross stated. “Your complaints about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Over. No more discussing about it anymore. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to sign.”

CK acknowledged the backlash on the program.

“I had mixed feelings about it as well,” he admitted. “I deliberated about going after learning the feedback. Potential benefits in it, maybe some bad. But in my view, I think it cuts toward taking part. My choice, and I know where it’s coming from, because I've reflected deeply.”

He continued: “I love standup comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the reality that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I want to witness it, I wish to participate. I think it's beneficial.”

Regrets and Defenses

Kirson, who appeared at the event on September 29, told media that she had requested a assurance that she could talk about her sexuality on stage, saying she “believed that it might assist LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia gain visibility and respected … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to talk about it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she clarified: “At the same time, I deeply regret participating supported by the authorities.” She said sorry to fans who were disappointed by “a poor decision that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider” and said she would give her fee to a rights group.

Burr, who appeared in Riyadh on September 26, defended his decision to participate, calling it “an incredible opportunity”.

“It was fantastic to experience the region and to participate in the inaugural humor event over there,” Burr commented on a broadcast. “Officials loved the show. Everyone was happy. Organizers running the event were delighted. The comedians I've spoken with are remarking, ‘Dude, you can feel [crowd] wanted it. They desire real standup comedy.’ … I think it’s paving the way for a lot of positive things.”