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2h ago

Riyadh Comedy Festival Proceeds as Top Comics Face Intensifying Backlash

Rights groups cast the state-run showcase as image laundering under Vision 2030.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 13: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a “coffee ceremony” with visiting U.S. President Donald Trump at the Saudi Royal Court on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Trump begins a multi-nation tour of the Gulf region focused on expanding economic ties and reinforcing security cooperation with key U.S. allies. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
(L) Kevin Hart attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "Me Time" at the Regency Village Theatre on August 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (C) Pete Davidson performs onstage during the Oddball Comedy Festival at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater on September 10, 2016 in Wantagh, New York. (R) Dave Chappelle speaks onstage during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City.

Overview

  • The state-backed event, organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority with Sela, runs Sept. 26–Oct. 9 in Riyadh with more than 50 international performers, including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Pete Davidson and Louis C.K.
  • Human Rights Watch urges comedians to call for the release of detained dissidents during sets, citing repression of free speech and the timing near the Jamal Khashoggi murder anniversary.
  • Contract materials shared by Atsuko Okatsuka describe content limits forbidding material that could defame the kingdom, the royal family, the government, the legal system or religion.
  • Reported appearance fees range from roughly $350,000 to about $1.6 million per show, with figures coming from comedians and media reports rather than official disclosures.
  • Lineup shifts include Nimesh Patel canceling his set, Tim Dillon saying he was dropped after critical remarks, and Shane Gillis declining despite a larger follow-up offer.