Home / Arts and Entertainment / Wanda Sykes Refuses Saudi Comedy Gig Over Rights Concerns
Wanda Sykes Refuses Saudi Comedy Gig Over Rights Concerns
15 Sep
Summary
- Wanda Sykes stated she would not perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival.
- She cited concerns over the treatment of LGBT individuals in Saudi Arabia.
- Sykes also found the reported request to not criticize the government anti-comedy.
Comedian Wanda Sykes has stated that she would never accept an invitation to perform at the annual Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Sykes, speaking on a recent episode of Ziwe, confirmed her refusal to participate in the event, which has hosted numerous prominent comedians.
Sykes explained her decision was rooted in her identity as a Black gay woman and her concerns about the treatment of the LGBT community in Saudi Arabia. She further elaborated that the reported requirement for comedians to refrain from criticizing the Saudi government was "anti-comedy."
This stance aligns with other comedians, such as Weird Al Yankovic, who also reportedly rejected a seven-figure offer to perform at the festival's inaugural event.
