Story perspectives

Riyadh Comedy Festival Sparks Outrage Amid Khashoggi Remembrance

9/27/2025

Summary

Comedians Face Backlash

The Riyadh Comedy Festival runs September 26 to October 10, featuring Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart.
Critics including Marc Maron and Zach Woods denounce it, citing Khashoggi's murder anniversary timing.
Tim Dillon was removed from the lineup over comments about Saudi labor; Shane Gillis declined a lucrative offer as a principled stand.

Summary

Comedians Reject Saudi Offers

Tim Dillon was offered $375,000 for Riyadh Comedy Festival performance; some acts reportedly up to $1.6 million.
Dillon's performance was canceled after Saudi authorities expressed dissatisfaction with his human rights comments.
Shane Gillis declined an offer, calling it a principled stand against performing in Saudi Arabia.
Critics, including Marc Maron, linked the festival to human rights abuses, citing Jamal Khashoggi.

History

Historical Context

The assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 intensified scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's human rights record, leading to global outrage. In March 2022, Amnesty International reported 81 executions in a single day, highlighting ongoing abuses. The Riyadh Comedy Festival's timing, coinciding with Khashoggi's murder anniversary, has drawn criticism from comedians like Marc Maron, reflecting artists' growing ethical concerns about performing in countries with poor human rights records.

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Comedians Face Backlash

The Riyadh Comedy Festival runs September 26 to October 10, featuring Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart.
Critics including Marc Maron and Zach Woods denounce it, citing Khashoggi's murder anniversary timing.
Tim Dillon was removed from the lineup over comments about Saudi labor; Shane Gillis declined a lucrative offer as a principled stand.

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