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

Varied Responses from Comedians

During an appearance on a talk show, the comedian, who is sharing top billing the event with British comedian his counterpart, said other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the response from crowds in Riyadh.

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

“There’s a woman who’s openly gay and of Jewish faith, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” he remarked, mentioning another comic, who has expressed “sincere regret” for appearing at the event.

Surprising Outcomes

“Clearly, developments unfolding that’s surprising in this thing,” the comedian continued. “Artists have been playing Saudi Arabia for a long time. Comedians have been going and entertaining in Arab countries. There was a film festival there lately, it’s kind of opened up. But I previously declined offers to those nations.”

He explained he was told there would be only two restrictions on his material: “Their religion and their government.”

“I don’t have jokes about those two things,” he added. “It used to be, when I got offers from such locations, there would be a long list, and I’d respond, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But when I heard it’s opening, I thought, it's intriguing. That just feels like a positive step. And I just feel comedy is an effective means to get in and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Raised

Several comedians have raised doubts about the morality of performing comedy at a festival directly paid for by the kingdom's authorities, which is known for rights issues and censorship, and its oppression of journalists, females and the LGBTQ community.

The festival’s producers include a live events company under Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser facing allegations of abuses.

A rights organization stated the event was an attempt by the Saudi government to cover up its policies “during a rise in crackdown including a crackdown on free speech, which several performers champion but people in Saudi Arabia are not allowed”.

Scathing Criticism

Performers including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been highly critical of those who have complained about public backlash and restrictions in the previous for agreeing to take part in Riyadh, with Cross posting a strongly worded critique that singled out the headliner by name.

“Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about others' opinions, but how can we respect you ever again?” he wrote. “All of your bitching about ‘public shaming’ and ‘free expression’ and similar issues? Done. No more discussing about it anymore. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to agree to.”

CK acknowledged the criticism on the program.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he admitted. “I deliberated about participating after learning what everybody was saying. Potential benefits in it, possible drawbacks. But for me, I think it leans towards going. That’s my decision, and I know where it’s coming from, because I've reflected deeply.”

He continued: “I'm passionate about comedy, and I support fellow artists. So, the fact that that’s opening up and beginning to grow, I want to witness it, I wanna be part of it. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

The lesbian comic, who appeared at the Riyadh festival on September 29, told a publication that she had asked for a assurance that she could talk about being a lesbian on during her set, saying she “hoped that it might assist LGBTQ+ people in the country gain visibility and respected … to my knowledge, I am the pioneer to talk about it on in Saudi Arabia”.

But she clarified: “However, I sincerely apologize for taking part supported by the authorities.” She apologised to supporters who were disappointed by “a misstep that had consequences I overlooked” and announced she would donate her fee to a human rights organisation.

Burr, who appeared in the capital on 26 September, supported his decision to take part, calling it “an incredible opportunity”.

“It was great to experience the region and to be a part of the first comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” Burr said on a broadcast. “Officials enjoyed the performance. The response was positive. Organizers running the festival were thrilled. Fellow performers that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Man, you can sense [the audience] were eager. They want to see real standup comedy.’ … I believe it’s paving the way for many benefits.”