Riyadh Comedy Festival Controversy

[Stove]

 

This is an ongoing controversy over the massive group of MAJOR comedians who agreed to exorbitant amounts of money to perform at this event in Saudi Arabia. The country is criticized for its theocratic government, abuses of its citizens, and silencing free speech. 

 

This event really seems like a vessel for international propaganda showing how free (other people) in their country are! Many comedians who were invited have spoken out on declining the event, and others have publicly scorched those who agreed to attend. Some comedians have defended their attendance, citing “free speech” or more likely, the money they were offered being large enough for them to ignore their conscience.

 

It’s really unfortunate to see comedians I supported attend this event……. morals or money?

 

 

Comedians on the flier in order:

• Tom Segura, Sam Morril, Pete Davidson, Omad Djalili, Nimesh Patel

• Mark Normand, Hannibal Buress, Chris Distefano, Aziz Ansari, Andrew Santino & Bobby Lee

• Dave Chappelle

• Andrew Schulz, Louis C.K., Chris Tucker, Kevin Hart, Jimeoin

• Gabriel Iglesias, Jessica Kirson, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Bill Burr

• Maz Jobrani, Sebastian Maniscalco, Whitney Cummings, Zarna Garg, Russell Peters

 

Comedians attending not listed on the flyer:

Mo Amer, Wayne Brady, Ben Hart, Jeff Ross, Sugar Sammy, Ali Saddiq, Cipha Sounds, Aries Spears, Jack Whitehall

 

Comedians invited but didn’t attend:

Nimesh Patel, who is on the flyer, backed out as the controversy started. Jim Jefferies and Tim Dillon both joked about Saudi Arabia and the money they’re getting before their performance and were removed from the lineup.

 

Other comedians who have spoken up about being invited and decried the event:

Mike Birbiglia, Shane Gillis, Stavros Halkias, Leslie Liao, Atsuko Okatsuka

 

Comedians like Marc Maron, Zach Woods, David Cross, and Gianmarco Soresi all commented on the grotesquerie of those agreeing to perform in the country. Jessica Kirson apologized and donated her fee to a human rights organization.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyn2yqpnnpo.amp

 

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/riyadh-comedy-festival-stand-up-jessica-kirson-apology-1236392972/

 

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/riyadh-comedy-festival-controversy-davidson-hart-gillis-b2834422.html

[elizaburgers]

ew

 

also the lineup is definitely a choice 

[Stove]

10 minutes ago, elizaburgers said:

ew

 

also the lineup is definitely a choice 

Fr, like it’s so clear there’s no correlation of values and that bodes horrible on all of them. Imagine ur face being next to, above, or below Louis C.K.  Embarrassing

 

Jessica Kirson, Bill Burr, Zarna Garg, Hannibal Buress, you have failed me

[affa03]

Thank god Ali Wong isn’t on that list

[leavealighton4me]

I only recognise like 3 comedians on here so idgaf (I hope this is the start of Jimmy Carr’s downfall though he’s SO ANNOYING AND UNFUNNY)