Archive · 26 Sep 2025
Comedians Criticize Riyadh Comedy Festival
Some comedians are speaking out against a comedy festival happening in Saudi Arabia.
They're criticizing those performing at the festival, particularly because of the Saudi government's history.
This includes their involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the killing of a journalist.
One comedian said he turned down a lot of money to not perform there.
These comedians are pointing out the potential problems of doing business with a government with a questionable reputation.
They are using jokes and sarcasm to highlight their views on the situation.
Comedians Marc Maron, Shane Gillis, and Zach Woods criticized the Riyadh Comedy Festival.
Maron joked about the Saudi government's role in 9/11 and the death of Jamal Khashoggi.
Gillis stated he turned down a lucrative offer to perform at the festival.
Woods created a satirical promotional video regarding the festival.
The festival's lineup includes Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Dave Chappelle, and others.
- Who
- Marc Maron, Shane Gillis, Zach Woods, and other comedians
- What
- Criticized the Riyadh Comedy Festival and its performers.
- When
- As the Riyadh Comedy Festival prepared to begin
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Why
- Due to concerns about the Saudi government's human rights record and role in 9/11 and the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
- Event
- Riyadh Comedy Festival
- Comedians Criticizing
- Marc Maron, Shane Gillis, Zach Woods
- Festival Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Criticism Focus
- Saudi government's human rights record
- Notable Performers (per article)
- Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Pete Davidson, etc.