The recent Riyadh Comedy Festival, organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has ignited a significant backlash from various quarters. The festival was held in the bustling capital city of Riyadh. It sought to make the area ground zero for the state’s artistic development, creativity and innovative cultural programming to emerge. While many high-profile comedians have announced their participation, this has raised concern and increased scrutiny. They are deeply worried by these censorship and human rights violations in the country.
Turki Al-Sheikh, the chair of the GEA, was a top architect of the festival. It featured a truly all-star list of well-known comedic talent and headliners— Pete Davidson, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings, and Jessica Kirson. Performing were Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall and Omid Djalili. Their inclusion in an event linked to a government that severely limits freedom of speech raised eyebrows, to say the least. Human rights advocates were quick to sound alarm over this dubious partnership.
Current Weekend Warmer Pete Davidson, one of the festival’s headliners too, suggested that he was under no limits on his material. Until recently, this claim has mostly gone unchallenged, even as some have called out the heavy-handed rules set down by producers—especially towards performers. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka broke the internet by preemptively releasing her future contract. The draft document included requirements to censor any content deemed sensitive or disparaging towards the Saudi government.
The leaked contract led to even more discussion on what constitutes appropriate comedic expression in Saudi Arabia. It featured clear censorship prohibitions that sought to avoid any content that could question or call into doubt the ruling government. This bombshell has raised a lot of questions about the safety and freedom comedians have when they perform in environments like this one.
Most bizarre, perhaps, was the fact that a few comedians were punished for their past negative views of Saudi Arabia. Comedians Tim Dillon and Jim Jefferies had their invites pulled after they made comments considered critical of the regime. This alarming development showcases the dangerous reality entertainers must navigate. They have to do this while maneuvering through a government notorious for repressing opposition voices.
The festival’s backdrop includes troubling incidents highlighting Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on free speech. Abdulaziz Almuzaini, the creator of a Netflix series, is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence. He was issued a 30-year travel ban with his charges of terrorism and prohibition of homosexuality promotion. Fahad Albutairi, a Saudi comedian, dealt with severe repercussions while abroad. He was supposedly handcuffed and blindfolded and then taken involuntarily back to Saudi Arabia.
Still, some comedians were refreshingly honest about why they were doing the festival. Chris Distefano candidly stated that financial incentives played a significant role in his decision, revealing that his fiancée urged him to “take that fucking money.” This sentiment struck a chord with many of those in attendance who understood the challenges of taking the stage in a clearly politically hostile space.
Louis CK recently posted that he was torn about coming to the festival after hearing negative critiques shared publicly. He remarked, “I struggled about going once I heard what everybody was saying,” indicating his awareness of the potential ramifications of performing in a country with strict censorship laws.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival sparked a significant dialogue about free expression. It was a reminder of the vital role comedians play in addressing even the most unpalatable political scenes. Vinny Thomas commented on this dynamic, stating, “Sometimes to fight the power you have to be paid by the power.” This philosophical stance underlies a current perception of conflict between aesthetic passions and financial realities.
Plus, as Bill Burr recently admitted, it was the censorship that won the weekend. His recognition not only honors their courage, but further complicates a conversation around artistic freedoms in authoritarian contexts.
The festival’s objectives were framed by Visit Saudi as an initiative to “amplify Riyadh’s status as a leading destination for major cultural and artistic events.” However, critics argue that human rights violations and censorship practices linked to the Saudi government cloud these aspirations. They think these issues are too essential to pass over.
Legal human rights advocacy organizations have widely condemned the festival. They would characterize it as promoting the “worst of the worst” when it involves artistic expression under repressive governments. This line of criticism highlights the importance and nature of the battle for freedom of speech. In this country, making fun of the president can get you fired.