Story perspectives

Weird Al Rejects Seven-Figure Offer for Saudi Festival

7/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Weird Al Yankovic declined a seven-figure payment to appear at the Riyadh Comedy Festival last year.
He said the offer made him feel “icky” and that he could not accept it.
The festival drew about 6,000 attendees and faced criticism for its ties to the Saudi government.
Bill Maher criticized Dave Chappelle’s appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival.
Jimmy Kimmel asked Aziz Ansari about the festival, citing the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

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Story summary

Weird Al Yankovic declined a seven-figure payment to appear at the Riyadh Comedy Festival last year.
He said the offer made him feel “icky” and that he could not accept it.
The festival drew about 6,000 attendees and faced criticism for its ties to the Saudi government.
Bill Maher criticized Dave Chappelle’s appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival.
Jimmy Kimmel asked Aziz Ansari about the festival, citing the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.