Overview

• The state-backed, two-week event in Riyadh, billed as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and organized by the General Entertainment Authority with Sela, runs Sept. 26–Oct. 9 with headliners including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Bill Burr and Louis C.K.
• A leaked offer shared by comedians shows content restrictions barring material that could be seen as degrading or defaming Saudi Arabia, its royal family, the legal system or religion, alongside widely reported six- and seven-figure appearance fees.
• Tim Dillon says he was dropped after making critical remarks about the country, Nimesh Patel announced he withdrew, and several comics including Shane Gillis, Atsuko Okatsuka, Mike Birbiglia and Stavros Halkias say they declined invitations.
• Human Rights Watch says the festival is being used to deflect from repression of free speech and urges performers to press for detainees’ release, noting the timing near the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.
• Industry figures such as David Cross and Marc Maron publicly condemned participants, while Bill Burr defended his appearance, calling his opening-night show a top experience that he believes could lead to positive outcomes.