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Louis CK has defended his decision to perform at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following fellow comedians criticised big names taking part as glossing over a government guilty of rights violations.

Varied Responses from Comedians

During an appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the festival with UK comic Jimmy Carr, stated other comedians had been “really surprised” by the response from audiences in the Saudi capital.

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

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

Surprising Outcomes

“Clearly, developments unfolding that’s surprising in this thing,” CK continued. “People have been playing Saudi Arabia for a long time. Comedians have been going and entertaining in the region. There was a film festival there lately, signaling openness. But I previously declined offers to Arab countries.”

CK said he was told there would be just a couple of limits on what he could talk about: “Faith and their government.”

“I don’t have jokes about those two things,” he added. “Previously, when I received invitations from places like that, there would be extensive restrictions, and I’d just say, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But when I heard the opening, I felt, it's intriguing. It seems like a positive step. And I believe humor is an effective means to get in and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Raised

Many performers have questioned the morality of doing stand-up at a festival directly paid for by the kingdom's authorities, which is known for human rights abuses and censorship, and its suppression of reporters, women and LGBTQ rights.

The festival’s producers include a live events company owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is chaired by a advisor facing claims of abuses.

A rights organization argued the festival was an attempt by the Saudi government to cover up its actions “during significant increase in crackdown including a crackdown on free speech, which several performers defend but locals are not allowed”.

Scathing Criticism

Comedians including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been highly critical of those who have spoken out about cancel culture and censorship in the past for agreeing to take part in the festival, with one comic publishing a blistering statement that called out the headliner by name.

“Clearly you guys show no concern about others' opinions, but how can we respect you from now on?” Cross wrote. “All of your bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and similar issues? Done. You don’t get to talk about it ever again. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to sign.”

The comedian addressed the backlash on the program.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he admitted. “I deliberated about participating once I heard what everybody was saying. Potential benefits in it, maybe some bad. But for me, I believe it leans towards taking part. My choice, and I understand my motives, because I've reflected deeply.”

He added: “I love standup comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the reality that that’s opening up and beginning to grow, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I feel that’s a positive thing.”

Apologies and Justifications

Kirson, who performed at the event on September 29, explained to media that she had asked for a assurance that she could discuss being a lesbian on during her set, saying she “hoped that it might assist the community in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to talk about it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she added: “At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the authorities.” She apologised to supporters who were let down by “a misstep that had repercussions I overlooked” and announced she would give her payment to a rights group.

Another headliner, who performed in the capital on September 26, supported his choice to take part, calling it “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was fantastic to experience that part of the world and to be a part of the inaugural humor event in Saudi Arabia,” he said on a broadcast. “Officials loved the show. Everyone was happy. Organizers running the event were delighted. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are remarking, ‘Man, you can feel [crowd] were eager. They desire real standup comedy.’ … I think it’s paving the way for a lot of positive things.”