On a recent episode of his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel discussed Aziz Ansari’s decision to perform at the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Kimmel pointed out that many comedians are upset because the festival is funded by a regime known for serious human rights violations.
“Why would you take their money to perform?” Kimmel asked Ansari. The comedian explained that he thought carefully about the decision, even seeking advice from his aunt, who has lived in Saudi Arabia.
Ansari acknowledged the complexity, stating, “There are people there who don’t agree with their government, just like here in the U.S.” Kimmel agreed that there are issues at home but insisted that the Saudi government has committed atrocities, like the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
Ansari defended his choice, saying he aimed to engage with the audience and bring laughter to a society where such expression is often limited. “This is a young country with a lot of change possible,” he argued, suggesting that comedy could help open up dialogue.
Kimmel is not alone in raising concerns. Many comedians have criticized the festival, which features stars like Dave Chappelle and Louis C.K. Mark Maron famously quipped about the “guy that’s gonna pay them” being the same person implicated in Khashoggi’s murder. Comedian Shane Gillis turned down a lucrative offer, citing principles. Reports indicate that some performers were offered up to $1.6 million for a single show.
Atsuko Okatsuka shared on social media that she declined an invitation to perform, highlighting the government’s brutal record and including screenshots of a contract section restricting jokes about the Saudi regime. David Cross publicly called out his fellow comics, questioning how they could seriously talk about freedom of speech after signing restrictive contracts.
Despite the criticism, some performers defended their participation. Burr described his experience as one of the best, while C.K. viewed it as a chance to foster dialogue. Chappelle even joked on stage that talking in Saudi Arabia was easier than in America.
This debate continues to spark reactions from the comedy community and audiences alike, reflecting the broader challenges of balancing art and ethics in today’s complex world.
For more insights on Saudi Arabia’s human rights issues, you can read reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch.
You can catch Kimmel and Ansari’s conversation here.
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Aziz Ansari,Jimmy Kimmel,Riyadh Comedy Festival
