Overview

• Kirson issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter expressing sincere regret for performing under a government she said violates fundamental human rights and apologized to fans.
• She said she donated the entirety of her payment from the Sept. 29 set to a human rights organization.
• Kirson stated she secured a guarantee to be openly out on stage and perform gay material and believes she was the first openly gay comic to discuss it on a Saudi stage.
• The Riyadh Comedy Festival runs Sept. 26–Oct. 9 in Saudi Arabia and features high-profile performers including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and Pete Davidson.
• Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka shared alleged contract language barring material critical of the kingdom, its leadership or any religion, intensifying criticism from comics and rights advocates.