Home / Arts and Entertainment / Comedians Defy Controversy, Defend Performances in Saudi Arabia
Comedians Defy Controversy, Defend Performances in Saudi Arabia
10 Oct
Summary
- Comedians like Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and Aziz Ansari performed in Saudi Arabia
- Comedian Kirson apologized but donated her fee to a human rights organization
- Performers defended their participation as a way to promote progress in the country
In September and October 2025, a major comedy festival took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring a lineup of renowned comedians. The event, which ran from September 26 to October 9, welcomed a who's who of the comedy world, including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, and Aziz Ansari, among others.
The festival ignited a firestorm of controversy, as critics, including fellow comedians, criticized the performers for participating in an event hosted by a government with a history of human rights abuses. However, in the weeks following the festival, some of the comedians have defended their decision to take part, arguing that it was an opportunity to be a part of progress in the country.
Notably, openly gay comedian Nicki Kirson, who also performed at the festival, has apologized for her participation, stating that she was "surprised" to be asked in the first place. Kirson, who is known for incorporating LGBTQ+ themes into her act, said she had requested a guarantee that she could perform her usual material. She later donated the entirety of her fee to an undisclosed human rights organization.
Burr and Ansari have also spoken out in defense of their participation, with Burr praising Kirson for her bravery and Ansari stating that he "put a lot of thought" into accepting the invitation as a way to be part of progress in the country.
