Louis CK justifies choice to appear at Saudi Arabian comedy festival as 'a good opportunity'

The stand-up comic has justified his choice to perform at the humor event in Saudi Arabia following fellow comedians criticised big names participating as glossing over a government responsible for human rights abuses.

Mixed Reactions from Performers

During an appearance on a talk show, the comedian, who is co-headlining the festival with UK comic Jimmy Carr, said other comedians had been “quite taken aback” by the response from audiences in Riyadh.

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

“A performer who’s openly gay and of Jewish faith, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” he said, mentioning Jessica Kirson, who has apologized for performing at the festival.

Unexpected Developments

“Clearly, developments going on that’s unexpected in this thing,” CK added. “Artists have been performing in Saudi Arabia for a long time. Comedians have been going and entertaining in Arab countries. A cinema event took place there recently, signaling openness. But I’ve always said no to those nations.”

He said he was told there would be just a couple of limits on what he could talk about: “Faith and the authorities.”

“My routine doesn’t include material about those two things,” he noted. “It used to be, when I received invitations from places like that, there would be extensive restrictions, and I’d respond, ‘No, I don’t need that.’ But when I heard the opening, I thought, that’s awfully interesting. That just feels like a positive step. And I believe comedy is a great way to get in and start talking.”

Moral Concerns Highlighted

Several comedians have raised doubts about the ethics of performing comedy at a gathering funded by the kingdom's authorities, which is known for rights issues and restrictions, and its suppression of journalists, females and the LGBTQ community.

Event organizers include a entertainment firm owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; and the national entertainment body, which is led by a royal adviser dogged by claims of human rights violations.

A rights organization stated the festival was an attempt by the authorities to cover up its policies “during a rise in repression including a clampdown on free speech, which several performers champion but locals are completely denied”.

Harsh Feedback

Comedians including Marc Maron, Atsuko Okatsuka and David Cross have been scathing of those who have complained about public backlash and censorship in the previous for participating in the festival, with Cross publishing a strongly worded critique that singled out CK by name.

“Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about others' opinions, but how can we respect you from now on?” he stated. “Your complaints about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and similar issues? Done. You don’t get to talk about it ever again. Everyone is aware of the contract you had to agree to.”

The comedian addressed the backlash on the program.

“I had mixed feelings about it too,” he said. “I deliberated about participating after learning what everybody was saying. There’s some good in it, possible drawbacks. But for me, I think it cuts toward taking part. That’s my decision, and I understand my motives, because I can see right inside myself.”

He continued: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that opportunities are expanding and beginning to grow, I wanna see it, I wish to participate. I think it's beneficial.”

Apologies and Justifications

Kirson, who performed at the Riyadh festival on 29 September, told a publication that she had requested a guarantee that she could discuss her sexuality on during her set, saying she “hoped that it might assist the community in Saudi Arabia gain visibility and respected … as far as I know, I am the first openly gay comic to address it on stage”.

But she added: “However, I deeply regret taking part under the auspices of the Saudi government.” She apologised to supporters who were let down by “a poor decision that had consequences I didn’t fully consider” and said she would donate her payment to a rights group.

Another headliner, who appeared in the capital on 26 September, supported his decision to participate, calling it “a mind-blowing experience”.

“It was fantastic to explore that part of the world and to participate in the inaugural humor event in Saudi Arabia,” he commented on his podcast. “The royals loved the show. The response was positive. The people that were doing the festival were delighted. The comedians I've spoken with are saying, ‘Man, you can feel [crowd] were eager. They want to see authentic humor.’ … I believe it’s going to lead to a lot of positive things.”