Comedians face backlash for performing at Saudi Arabia's comedy festival
- The Riyadh Comedy Festival features a lineup of well-known comedians, including Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle.
- Critics have condemned the festival as an attempt by the Saudi government to deflect attention from its human rights violations.
- Prominent figures and advocacy groups are urging comedians to address these issues rather than remain silent during their performances.
In Saudi Arabia, a comedy festival known as the Riyadh Comedy Festival is currently underway, running from September 26 to October 9, 2025. Featuring prominent comedians like Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, and Dave Chappelle, the event has come under fire from various human rights advocacy groups and fellow comedians due to the country's poor record on free speech and human rights abuses. Critics argue that the festival serves as a vehicle for the Saudi government to improve its international image, effectively 'comedy washing' its authoritarian reputation. Comedians have been prompted to take a stand against the repressive actions of the Saudi regime, particularly in light of the anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. As various comedians gather in Riyadh, discussions around the moral implications of accepting performance gigs in such a heavily censored environment continue to escalate, with dissenting voices urging participants to use their platform to advocate for human rights.