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Louis CK has defended his choice to take the stage at the humor event in Saudi Arabia after fellow comedians criticised major stars participating as glossing over a regime responsible for human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

During an appearance on a talk show, the comedian, who is co-headlining the event with UK comic his counterpart, said other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

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

“A performer who’s openly gay and of Jewish faith, who performed there, and she received enthusiastic applause,” CK remarked, mentioning Jessica Kirson, who has expressed “sincere regret” for appearing at the event.

Surprising Outcomes

“So, there’s stuff going on that’s unexpected in the situation,” the comedian added. “People have been performing in the kingdom for years. Stand-up artists have been traveling and playing the region. A cinema event took place there recently, signaling openness. But I previously declined offers to Arab countries.”

CK explained he was told there would be just a couple of limits on his material: “Their religion and the authorities.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those two things,” he noted. “It used to be, when I received invitations from such locations, there would be extensive restrictions, and I’d just say, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But learning about it’s opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a good opportunity. And I just feel comedy is a great way to engage and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Raised

Many performers have raised doubts about the morality of doing stand-up at a gathering directly paid for by the Saudi Arabian government, which is known for human rights abuses and censorship, and its suppression of reporters, females and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers include a live events company owned by the state investment fund; and the kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, which is chaired by a royal adviser dogged by claims of abuses.

Human Rights Watch argued the event was an effort by the authorities to whitewash its actions “during significant increase in crackdown including a clampdown on expression, which several performers defend but locals are not allowed”.

Harsh Feedback

Comedians such as Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been scathing of those who have spoken out about cancel culture and censorship in the previous for participating in Riyadh, with Cross posting a blistering statement that singled out CK by name.

“Evidently, participants show no concern about others' opinions, but how can any of us respect you ever again?” he wrote. “All of your bitching about ‘public shaming’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and similar issues? Over. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to agree to.”

CK acknowledged the backlash on Maher’s show.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he admitted. “I deliberated about going once I heard the feedback. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But in my view, I believe it cuts toward taking part. That’s my decision, and I understand my motives, because I can see right inside myself.”

He added: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and beginning to grow, I wanna see it, I wanna be part of it. I feel that’s a positive thing.”

Apologies and Justifications

Kirson, who performed at the event on September 29, told media that she had asked for a assurance that she could discuss being a lesbian on stage, saying she “hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and respected … as far as I know, I am the pioneer to address it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she added: “However, I sincerely apologize for participating supported by the Saudi government.” She said sorry to fans who were let down by “a poor decision that had consequences I didn’t fully consider” and announced she would give her payment to a human rights organisation.

Another headliner, who appeared in the capital on 26 September, defended his choice to participate, describing it as “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was fantastic to explore the region and to be a part of the inaugural humor event over there,” he said on a broadcast. “The royals enjoyed the performance. Everyone was happy. The people running the event were delighted. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are remarking, ‘Dude, you can sense [the audience] wanted it. They want to see authentic humor.’ … I think it’s paving the way for many benefits.”