So you can be informed on whom you wish to spend your entertainment dollars.
The inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, in Saudi Arabia, featured over 50 global comedians, including several prominent American performers.
1)
The inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, in Saudi Arabia, featured over 50 global comedians, including several prominent American performers.
1)
The event, part of the country's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and enhance its cultural profile, has sparked significant controversy due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
2)
2)
Critics argue that the festival serves as a tool for the Saudi government to improve its international image while diverting attention from issues such as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the repression of free speech.
3)
3)
I am only listing the Americans here, not all 50 global comedians.
American Comedians Who Performed:
1. Kevin Hart – Headlined the festival, drawing significant attention due to his international fame.
4)
American Comedians Who Performed:
1. Kevin Hart – Headlined the festival, drawing significant attention due to his international fame.
4)
2. Dave Chappelle – Known for his provocative humor, Chappelle used his platform to comment on free speech issues, stating it was "easier to talk" in Saudi Arabia than in America
5)
5)
3. Bill Burr – Defended his participation, describing the event as a platform for cultural exchange rather than an endorsement of Saudi policies
6)
6)
4. Pete Davidson – Admitted to being drawn by the substantial financial compensation, despite personal reservations tied to the 9/11 attacks
5. Louis C.K. – Participated amid criticism from peers and human rights organizations
7)
5. Louis C.K. – Participated amid criticism from peers and human rights organizations
7)
6. Aziz Ansari – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
Wikipedia
7. Gabriel Iglesias – Performed on September 30, marking his largest show in Saudi Arabia to date
8. Jo Koy – Participated as part of the international lineup
8)
Wikipedia
7. Gabriel Iglesias – Performed on September 30, marking his largest show in Saudi Arabia to date
8. Jo Koy – Participated as part of the international lineup
8)
9. Whitney Cummings – Included in the diverse lineup of international comedians
Wikipedia
10. Sebastian Maniscalco – Performed as part of the international lineup
11. Chris Distefano – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
9)
Wikipedia
10. Sebastian Maniscalco – Performed as part of the international lineup
11. Chris Distefano – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
9)
12. Omid Djalili – Participated in the festival
13. Zarna Garg – Included in the diverse lineup of international comedians
14. Ben Hart – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
15. Jessica Kirson – Participated in the festival
10)
13. Zarna Garg – Included in the diverse lineup of international comedians
14. Ben Hart – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
15. Jessica Kirson – Participated in the festival
10)
16. Mark Normand – Included in the diverse lineup of international comedians
17. Sam Morril – Participated in the festival
18. Tom Segura – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
19. Jimmy Carr – Participated in the festival
11)
17. Sam Morril – Participated in the festival
18. Tom Segura – Appeared as part of the diverse lineup of international comedians
19. Jimmy Carr – Participated in the festival
11)
20. Bobby Lee – Included in the diverse lineup of international comedians
21. Chris Tucker – Headlined the festival, drawing significant attention due to his international fame
Visit Saudi
12)
21. Chris Tucker – Headlined the festival, drawing significant attention due to his international fame
Visit Saudi
12)
22. Russell Peters – Performed as a headliner in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival
23. Joey Shea – Participated in the festival
24. Ronnie Khalil – Participated in the festival
13)
23. Joey Shea – Participated in the festival
24. Ronnie Khalil – Participated in the festival
13)
Comedians Who Declined Participation:
1. Shane Gillis – Declined the invitation due to ethical concerns
2. Mike Birbiglia – Chose not to participate, citing personal principles
3. Nimesh Patel – Announced on social media that he would be dropping out on ethical grounds
14)
1. Shane Gillis – Declined the invitation due to ethical concerns
2. Mike Birbiglia – Chose not to participate, citing personal principles
3. Nimesh Patel – Announced on social media that he would be dropping out on ethical grounds
14)
4. Marc Maron – Publicly criticized American comedians participating in the Riyadh Comedy Festival, denouncing the Saudi government's alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
15)
15)
5. David Cross – Openly condemned their participation, accusing them of prioritizing money over ethics
6. Atsuko Okatsuka – Declined the invitation, citing ethical concerns and revealing censorship clauses in the performance contracts
16)
6. Atsuko Okatsuka – Declined the invitation, citing ethical concerns and revealing censorship clauses in the performance contracts
16)
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has ignited debates within the comedy community and beyond, raising questions about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and human rights. While some performers defend their participation as a platform for cultural exchange,
17)
17)
others argue that it serves as a vehicle for the Saudi government to improve its international image amid ongoing human rights concerns. Also, the comedians were censored. They were told which subjects were off limits.
18)
18)
@threadreaderapp unroll
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
