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The stand-up comic has justified his decision to perform at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following other comics criticised big names participating as whitewashing a regime responsible for human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Performers

Speaking on a talk show, CK, who is co-headlining the festival with British comedian his counterpart, stated fellow performers had been “really surprised” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Aziz Ansari, Hannibal Burress, Jim Jefferies, Jo Koy, Tom Segura and Jeff Ross are part of the lineup at the Saudi event, which concludes on October 9th.

“A performer who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” he remarked, referring to another comic, who has apologized for performing at the event.

Unexpected Developments

“So, there’s stuff unfolding that’s unexpected in this thing,” CK continued. “Artists have been playing Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been going and entertaining in the region. There was a film festival there recently, it’s kind of opened up. But I’ve always said no to Arab countries.”

He explained he was informed there would be only two restrictions on what he could talk about: “Their religion and the authorities.”

“I don’t have jokes about those two things,” he noted. “It used to be, when I got offers from such locations, there would be a long list, and I’d just say, ‘I'll pass.’ But when I heard it’s opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. It seems like a good opportunity. And I believe comedy is a great way to engage and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Highlighted

Several comedians have questioned the morality of doing stand-up at a gathering directly paid for by the kingdom's authorities, which is notorious for rights issues and restrictions, and its oppression of journalists, females and LGBTQ rights.

Event organizers include a entertainment firm owned by the state investment fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser dogged by claims of human rights violations.

A rights organization argued the event was an effort by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “during a rise in repression including a crackdown on expression, which many of these comedians champion but people in Saudi Arabia are not allowed”.

Scathing Criticism

Performers including 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 agreeing to take part in Riyadh, with one comic publishing a blistering statement that called out the headliner by name.

“Evidently, participants show no concern about what the rest of us think, but how can we respect you ever again?” he stated. “All of your bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Over. You don’t get to talk about it anymore. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to sign.”

CK acknowledged the criticism on Maher’s show.

“I was conflicted about it as well,” he admitted. “I struggled about going after learning the feedback. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But for me, I believe it leans towards taking part. That’s my decision, and I understand my motives, because I've reflected deeply.”

He added: “I'm passionate about comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I feel that’s a positive thing.”

Regrets and Defenses

Kirson, who appeared at the event on September 29, explained to a publication that she had asked for a assurance that she could discuss her sexuality on stage, saying she “believed that this could help the community in Saudi Arabia gain visibility and valued … as far as I know, I am the pioneer to address it on stage”.

But she added: “At the same time, I sincerely apologize for taking part under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She apologised to fans who were let down by “a misstep that had repercussions I overlooked” and said she would donate her payment to a rights group.

Burr, who appeared in Riyadh on 26 September, supported his decision to take part, describing it as “an incredible opportunity”.

“It was great to explore the region and to participate in the first comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” Burr commented on a broadcast. “Officials loved the show. Everyone was happy. Organizers that were doing the event were delighted. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are remarking, ‘Dude, you can sense [crowd] wanted it. They desire real standup comedy.’ … I think it’s going to lead to many benefits.”