Overview

• On his podcast, Burr said organizers negotiated content rules down to avoiding jokes about the Saudi royal family and religion, adding that the royals enjoyed his show.
• His remarks prompted a wave of online criticism accusing him of taking Saudi money and minimizing censorship concerns.
• Human Rights Watch argues the festival is being used to deflect attention from the country’s repression of free speech.
• The government-backed lineup includes Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Louis C.K., Pete Davidson, Jo Koy, and Jimmy Carr.
• Several comedians who declined invitations say they were offered large sums tied to restrictions that barred material about religion and the royal family.