While performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival on Saturday (reported by The New York Times), comedy legend Dave Chappelle discussed the nuances of free speech in the U.S., noting it feels liberating to express himself in Saudi Arabia compared to the restrictions he perceives at home.
“In America right now, they claim if you mention Charlie Kirk, you might be canceled,” Chappelle remarked. “I’m not sure if that’s the case, but I intend to find out.”
“It’s easier to speak here than it is back in America,” he continued.
Chappelle expressed apprehension about returning to the U.S., fearing that “they’re going to take measures against me for saying what I want to say.”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has faced backlash from numerous American comedians. On Monday, David Cross issued a statement condemning Chappelle and fellow performers Bill Burr and Louie CK, accusing them of endorsing a “totalitarian regime.”
“It’s clear you guys don’t care about what others think, but how can we ever take you seriously again?” Cross remarked. “All your complaints about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’? That’s over. You lose the right to discuss it now. We all know the terms of the contracts you had to sign.”
Burr presented a contrasting perspective on the festival. On the Sept. 29 episode of his “Monday Morning Podcast,” he described Riyadh as one of the “top three experiences” he has ever had.
“It was fantastic to experience that region of the world and to take part in the inaugural comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” Burr shared. “The royals appreciated the performance. Everyone was elated. The festival organizers were overjoyed.”
