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The stand-up comic has justified his choice to perform at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following fellow comedians criticised major stars taking part as glossing over a regime guilty of human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Performers

During an appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher, CK, who is sharing top billing the event with British comedian his counterpart, said fellow performers had been “really surprised” by the reaction from crowds in the Saudi capital.

A star-studded lineup including top comics are part of the roster at the Riyadh comedy festival, which finishes on October 9th.

“A performer who’s openly gay and of Jewish faith, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” he said, mentioning Jessica Kirson, who has expressed “sincere regret” for performing at the festival.

Surprising Outcomes

“Clearly, developments going on that’s unexpected in the situation,” the comedian added. “People have been playing the kingdom for a long time. Stand-up artists have been going and playing the region. A cinema event took place there recently, it’s kind of opened up. But I previously declined offers to those nations.”

He explained he was told there would be just a couple of limits on his material: “Faith and their government.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those two things,” he noted. “Previously, when I received invitations from such locations, there would be a long list, and I’d just say, ‘I'll pass.’ But learning about it’s opening, I felt, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a positive step. And I believe humor is an effective means to engage and start talking.”

Ethical Questions Raised

Many performers have questioned the morality of doing stand-up at a festival directly paid for by the Saudi Arabian government, which is notorious for human rights abuses and censorship, and its oppression of journalists, women and the LGBTQ community.

The festival’s producers include a entertainment firm under the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a advisor facing claims of abuses.

Human Rights Watch stated the event was an attempt by the Saudi government to whitewash its actions “amid significant increase in repression including a crackdown on expression, which several performers defend but people in Saudi Arabia are not allowed”.

Harsh Feedback

Comedians including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been highly critical of those who have spoken out about cancel culture and censorship in the previous for participating in Riyadh, with one comic publishing a strongly worded critique that singled out the headliner by name.

“Evidently, participants show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can we respect you from now on?” Cross wrote. “Your complaints about ‘public shaming’ and ‘free expression’ and similar issues? Done. You don’t get to talk about it ever again. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to sign.”

The comedian addressed the criticism on the program.

“I was conflicted about it as well,” he admitted. “I struggled about participating once I heard what everybody was saying. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But in my view, I think it leans towards going. My choice, and I understand my motives, because I've reflected deeply.”

He continued: “I'm passionate about comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and beginning to grow, I want to witness it, I wanna be part of it. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

The lesbian comic, who appeared at the event on 29 September, told media that she had asked for a guarantee that she could discuss her sexuality on during her set, saying she “believed that it might assist LGBTQ+ people in the country gain visibility and respected … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to address it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she clarified: “At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She apologised to fans who were disappointed by “a misstep that had consequences I didn’t fully consider” and said she would donate her payment to a human rights organisation.

Another headliner, who performed in the capital on September 26, supported his decision to participate, calling it “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was fantastic to experience that part of the world and to participate in the inaugural humor event over there,” Burr said on his podcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. The response was positive. The people that were doing the festival were thrilled. The comedians that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Man, you can feel [the audience] wanted it. They want to see authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s paving the way for many benefits.”