Overview

• The two-week event runs Sept. 26–Oct. 9 in Riyadh with more than 50 acts, including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Aziz Ansari, Pete Davidson and Louis C.K., according to the Saudi Tourism Authority.
• Human Rights Watch says the festival helps deflect attention from repression and highlights that the dates overlap the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.
• Comedian Tim Dillon says he was dropped after podcast jokes about forced labor; he previously cited a $375,000 offer and claimed top figures could reach $1.6 million, which organizers have not confirmed.
• Peers have publicly criticized participation or declined invites, with Marc Maron posting a viral bit, Shane Gillis saying he refused a doubled offer on principle, and Zach Woods releasing a satirical takedown.
• Saudi authorities frame the festival as part of Vision 2030’s push to grow entertainment and tourism, while many scheduled performers have stayed quiet about the shows on their social media.