Saudi Arabia's Comedy Festival Sparks Outrage: 'Comedy Washing' Accusations Fly

The inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, featuring a star-studded lineup of international comedians, has ignited a fierce debate. While the event aims to showcase Saudi Arabia's burgeoning entertainment scene, critics argue it's a calculated move by the government to distract from its human rights record, a practice dubbed "comedy washing."

Key Takeaways

• Top comedians are facing criticism for performing at a state-sponsored festival in Saudi Arabia.

• Human rights organisations accuse the kingdom of using the event to "comedy wash" its image.

• Comedians are reportedly being offered substantial sums, with some defending their participation while others have refused.

• Concerns have been raised about censorship and content restrictions imposed on performers.

The Controversy Unpacked

The festival, which ran from late September to early October, boasted names like Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, and Jimmy Carr. However, its state-sponsored nature has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups like Human Rights Watch. They allege that Saudi Arabia is leveraging the festival to divert attention from its "brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations."

This tactic mirrors "sports washing," where countries use major sporting events to improve their international reputation. Critics point to Saudi Arabia's well-documented human rights concerns, including its record on freedom of speech, the use of the death penalty, and the rights of women and girls.

Comedians Under Fire

Many fans and fellow comedians have accused those performing of "selling out." Comedian David Cross expressed his disgust, stating that "there was not enough money for me to help these depraved, awful people put a 'funny face' on their crimes against humanity." He added that performers who champion free speech have forfeited their right to complain about "cancel culture."

Marc Maron, host of the "WTF" podcast, also voiced his disapproval, referencing the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an event that occurred on the seventh anniversary of the festival. Another comedian, Atsuko Okatsuka, shared screenshots of her contract, which reportedly included content restrictions prohibiting material that could "degrade, defame, or bring into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, embarrassment, or ridicule" Saudi Arabia, its royal family, or any religion.

Financial Incentives and Principled Stands

While the participating comedians have largely remained silent on their contracts, some have alluded to significant financial incentives. American comedian Tim Dillon claimed he was offered $375,000 for one performance, with others reportedly receiving offers as high as $1.6 million. Dillon, who later stated his performance was cancelled due to his remarks on migrant workers, admitted he accepted the offer for his "financial wellbeing," acknowledging he was being paid enough to "look the other way."

Conversely, fellow US comedian Shane Gillis reportedly turned down an invitation, even after the offer was doubled, citing a "principled stand."

Responses and Repercussions

Some comedians have offered explanations for their participation. Louis C.K. admitted to having "mixed feelings" but stated he didn't have jokes about Saudi Arabia's two restrictions: their religion and government. Bill Burr described his experience as "mind-blowing" and felt the festival would "lead to a lot of positive things."

Jessica Kirson, however, released a statement expressing "sincere regret for having performed under a government that continues to violate fundamental human rights." She revealed she had requested assurances that she could perform openly as a lesbian, hoping to make LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel "seen and valued." Kirson pledged to donate her fee to a human rights organisation.

The Saudi government, through the Saudi Press Agency, has promoted the festival as a global event reflecting Riyadh's status as a major cultural destination, aiming to transform its social and economic landscape.

Sources

• Why top comedians are being criticised for performing in Saudi Arabia | Ents & Arts News, Sky.

• No laughing matter: Is Saudi festival a case of 'comedy washing'? | World News, Sky News.