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Louis CK has defended his decision to take the stage at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following other comics criticised major stars taking part as whitewashing a government responsible for human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

During an appearance on a talk show, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the event with UK comic Jimmy Carr, said fellow performers had been “really surprised” by the reaction from crowds in Riyadh.

Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Tom Segura and Jeff Ross are part of the lineup at the Saudi event, which concludes on 9 October.

“A performer who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who performed there, and she got a standing ovation,” CK said, referring to another comic, who has apologized for performing at the event.

Unexpected Developments

“Clearly, developments unfolding that’s surprising in the situation,” the comedian continued. “Artists have been performing in the kingdom for years. Stand-up artists have been going and playing Arab countries. There was a film festival there recently, it’s kind of opened up. But I previously declined offers to Arab countries.”

He said he was told there would be only two restrictions on what he could talk about: “Faith and their government.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those two things,” he added. “It used to be, when I got offers from places like that, there would be a long list, and I’d just say, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But learning about the opening, I thought, it's intriguing. It seems like a good opportunity. And I believe humor is a great way to get in and start talking.”

Ethical Questions Raised

Many performers have questioned the morality of performing comedy at a festival funded by the kingdom's authorities, which is known for rights issues and restrictions, and its suppression of journalists, females and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers involve a entertainment firm owned by the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a advisor dogged by allegations of abuses.

A rights organization stated the festival was an attempt by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “amid significant increase in repression including a crackdown on expression, which several performers defend but locals are not allowed”.

Harsh Feedback

Comedians such as well-known names have been highly critical of performers who have complained about public backlash and restrictions in the past for agreeing to take part in Riyadh, with one comic posting a blistering statement that singled out CK by name.

“Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about others' opinions, but how can we respect you ever again?” he wrote. “Your complaints about ‘public shaming’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Done. No more discussing about it ever again. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to sign.”

The comedian acknowledged the backlash on the program.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he admitted. “I struggled about participating once I heard the feedback. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But in my view, I think it leans towards taking part. My choice, and I understand my motives, because I can see right inside myself.”

He added: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and starting to bud, I want to witness it, I wanna be part of it. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

The lesbian comic, who appeared at the Riyadh festival on 29 September, told media that she had requested a assurance that she could discuss being a lesbian on stage, stating she “believed that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and respected … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to talk about it on stage”.

But she added: “However, I sincerely apologize for taking part under the auspices of the authorities.” She apologised to fans who were let down by “a poor decision that had consequences I overlooked” and announced she would give her fee to a human rights organisation.

Another headliner, who performed in Riyadh on 26 September, supported his choice to take part, calling it “an incredible opportunity”.

“It was fantastic to explore that part of the world and to participate in the first comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” he said on his podcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. Everyone was happy. The people running the festival were delighted. The comedians I've spoken with are remarking, ‘Dude, you can sense [the audience] wanted it. They desire authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s going to lead to many benefits.”