Overview

• Dave Chappelle told an audience of about 6,000 in Riyadh that it felt "easier to talk" there than in the United States, making the remark while referencing reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination.
• On Real Time, Bill Maher said the assertion was false and suggested a routine about the Prophet Muhammad would better test speech limits in Saudi Arabia.
• Louis C.K., scheduled to perform at the festival on Monday, replied on Maher's show, "I don't know if that's true."
• Bill Burr defended his appearance, saying on his podcast that "the royals loved the show" and that audiences "just wanted to laugh."
• Comedians appearing at the festival continue to face criticism from peers who say the event polishes Saudi Arabia's image despite human-rights concerns, with Shane Gillis saying he rejected a lucrative offer.