Overview

• The state-backed event runs Sept. 26–Oct. 9 in Riyadh under Vision 2030, with a largely U.S. roster including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Pete Davidson and Louis C.K.
• Human Rights Watch tied the timing to the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and said it contacted representatives for several comics seeking a meeting about Saudi abuses.
• Comedians Marc Maron, Shane Gillis and Zach Woods publicly condemned participation, and Atsuko Okatsuka shared an offer letter that outlined content restrictions about criticizing the Saudi state.
• Tim Dillon said organizers dropped him after he joked about forced labor and previously claimed he was offered $375,000 for one show and that top payouts reached $1.6 million, figures not independently verified.
• Organized by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, the festival has drawn ongoing calls for performers to speak up on free-expression cases as many participants avoid promoting the stop on their public channels.