In a move that's sparked fierce debate, Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr have taken the stage at Saudi Arabia's inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, drawing sharp criticism for what some call a blatant hypocrisy on free speech. The event, running from September 26 to October 9, features over 50 international acts including Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, and Pete Davidson, all performing under the watchful eye of the Saudi government. Chappelle, known for his unfiltered specials on transgender issues back home, told the audience in Riyadh that it's actually easier to speak freely there than in the United States, a remark that's ignited outrage amid the kingdom's notorious crackdowns on dissent.
Indeed, the festival has become a lightning rod. Comedian David Cross, a longtime voice in the industry, didn't hold back in a public statement, expressing disgust at his "heroes" like Chappelle and Burr for cashing in on gigs in one of the world's most repressive regimes. Human Rights Watch has echoed this, urging the stars to cancel and highlighting Saudi Arabia's recent surge in executions—over 170 this year alone—for non-violent crimes, alongside harsh sentences for online criticism. Moreover, performers are reportedly bound by strict guidelines on what they can joke about, limiting the very edginess that defines their careers.
However, not everyone sees it as black and white. Burr, fresh off his set, joked on his podcast about the royals loving the show and admitted the pay was enough to "look the other way." This comes as these comedians have long railed against cancel culture in America, positioning themselves as free speech warriors. The irony isn't lost on critics: taking Saudi money while the kingdom jails activists and censors media feels, to many, like a troubling compromise. Cross went further, saying such acts mean these comics "can't be taken seriously ever again."
The backlash has rippled through the comedy world, with fellow performers like Omid Djalili facing similar heat for participating. As the festival wraps up in early October, it raises uncomfortable questions about where entertainers draw the line between art and ethics.