Louis CK justifies decision to perform at Riyadh comedy festival as 'a good opportunity'

Louis CK has defended his decision to take the stage at the Riyadh comedy festival following fellow comedians criticised major stars participating as whitewashing a government responsible for human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

Speaking on a talk show, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the event with UK comic his counterpart, said other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

A star-studded lineup including top comics are among the roster at the Riyadh comedy festival, which finishes on October 9th.

“A performer who’s openly gay and of Jewish faith, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” CK said, referring to Jessica Kirson, who has apologized for performing at the festival.

Surprising Outcomes

“So, there’s stuff unfolding that’s surprising in the situation,” CK added. “Artists have been playing Saudi Arabia for a long time. Stand-up artists have been going and playing Arab countries. There was a film festival there lately, signaling openness. But I’ve always said no to Arab countries.”

CK explained he was told there would be just a couple of limits on what he could talk about: “Faith and their government.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those topics,” he noted. “It used to be, when I received invitations from such locations, there would be a long list, and I’d just say, ‘I'll pass.’ But when I heard the opening, I felt, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a positive step. And I just feel comedy is a great way to engage and start talking.”

Ethical Questions Highlighted

Many performers have questioned the ethics of doing stand-up at a gathering funded by the Saudi Arabian government, which is notorious for rights issues and restrictions, and its suppression of journalists, females and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers involve a live events company under Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is chaired by a advisor dogged by allegations of abuses.

Human Rights Watch stated the event was an attempt by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “during a rise in crackdown including a clampdown on free speech, which several performers champion but people in Saudi Arabia are not allowed”.

Scathing Criticism

Comedians including well-known names have been scathing of performers who have complained about public backlash and censorship in the previous for participating in Riyadh, with one comic publishing a blistering statement that called out the headliner by name.

“Evidently, participants don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can we respect you ever again?” Cross wrote. “All of your bitching about ‘public shaming’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Done. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to agree to.”

The comedian addressed the criticism on Maher’s show.

“I was conflicted about it as well,” he admitted. “I struggled about participating once I heard what everybody was saying. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But for me, I believe it cuts toward taking part. That’s my decision, and I understand my motives, because I've reflected deeply.”

He continued: “I love standup comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and starting to bud, I want to witness it, I wanna be part of it. I think that’s a positive thing.”

Regrets and Defenses

Kirson, who appeared at the Riyadh festival on September 29, told a publication that she had asked for a assurance that she could discuss her sexuality on stage, stating she “hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia gain visibility and valued … as far as I know, I am the pioneer to address it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she added: “However, I deeply regret taking part under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She apologised to fans who were disappointed by “a misstep that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider” and announced she would give her payment to a human rights organisation.

Burr, who performed in Riyadh on September 26, defended his decision to take part, calling it “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was fantastic to explore that part of the world and to be a part of the inaugural humor event over there,” he commented on his podcast. “Officials loved the show. Everyone was happy. Organizers that were doing the festival were delighted. Fellow performers I've spoken with are remarking, ‘Dude, you can sense [the audience] wanted it. They desire real standup comedy.’ … I believe it’s paving the way for a lot of positive things.”