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The stand-up comic has justified his choice to take the stage at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following other comics questioned big names taking part as glossing over a regime responsible for human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Comedians

Speaking on Real Time With Bill Maher, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the festival with British comedian his counterpart, stated other comedians had been “really surprised” by the response from crowds in Riyadh.

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

“There’s a woman who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” CK remarked, referring to Jessica Kirson, who has expressed “sincere regret” for performing at the event.

Unexpected Developments

“So, there’s stuff going on that’s unexpected in this thing,” the comedian continued. “Artists have been playing the kingdom for years. Stand-up artists have been traveling and entertaining in Arab countries. There was a film festival there recently, it’s kind of opened up. But I previously declined offers to those nations.”

He said he was informed there would be only two restrictions on his material: “Their religion 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, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But learning about the opening, I felt, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a good opportunity. And I just feel humor is a great way to get in 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 known for rights issues and restrictions, and its oppression of reporters, females and LGBTQ rights.

Event organizers include a live events company under the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser facing claims of human rights violations.

Human Rights Watch argued the event was an effort by the Saudi government to whitewash its actions “amid a rise in repression including a crackdown on expression, which several performers defend but people in Saudi Arabia are completely denied”.

Scathing Criticism

Performers including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been scathing of performers who have complained about public backlash and censorship in the previous for agreeing to take part in Riyadh, with Cross publishing a blistering statement that singled out the headliner by name.

“Evidently, participants don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?” Cross stated. “Your complaints about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘free expression’ and all that shit? Over. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. Everyone is aware of the agreement you had to agree to.”

CK acknowledged the criticism on Maher’s show.

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

He added: “I'm passionate about comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the reality that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I want to witness it, I wish to participate. I feel that’s a positive thing.”

Regrets and Defenses

Kirson, who performed at the Riyadh festival on September 29, told media that she had requested a guarantee that she could talk about her sexuality on during her set, stating she “believed that it might assist the community in the country feel seen and respected … as far as I know, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage”.

But she added: “However, I sincerely apologize for participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She said sorry to fans who were let down by “a misstep that had consequences I didn’t fully consider” and said she would give her payment to a rights group.

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

“It was fantastic to explore the region and to participate in the first comedy festival over there,” Burr said on his podcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. The response was positive. The people that were doing the event were thrilled. Fellow performers I've spoken with are saying, ‘Dude, you can feel [the audience] wanted it. They want to see authentic humor.’ … I think it’s going to lead to many benefits.”