While justifying his choice to perform at the contentious, state-funded Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, Aziz Ansari announced his intention to contribute “a portion of his fee” to “initiatives that advocate for free press and human rights,” naming Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch, which has frequently critiqued the comedy festival and the Saudi government.
However, in a statement to Variety, a Human Rights Watch representative remarked that the organization “cannot accept” contributions from Ansari and others who have “kindly offered to donate part of their performance fees.” (Jessica Kirson expressed her “deep regret” over participating in the Riyadh Comedy Festival and pledged to donate the entirety of her fee to an undisclosed human rights group.)
“While we cannot accept donations, it is still possible for them to call for the release of detained Saudi activists,” stated Joey Shea, a Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch. She further stated, “Human Rights Watch did not request comedians to boycott the Riyadh Comedy Festival, but merely asked them to show their support for free speech by advocating for the release of unjustly imprisoned Saudi activists.”
In September, Shea released a comparable statement highlighting the Saudi government’s assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. “Comedians receiving substantial payments from Saudi authorities should not remain silent on restricted topics such as human rights and free speech,” Shea remarked. “Every performer in Riyadh has a chance to utilize this prominent platform to demand the release of detained Saudi activists.”
Arvind Ganesan, head of Human Rights Watch’s economic justice and rights division, confirmed to Variety that the organization is “very conscious of our independence and objectivity” and cannot accept government funds, whether directly or indirectly. The organization also exercises “great caution” regarding private funding.
“We have been critical of comedians, including Mr. Ansari, who choose to perform in Saudi Arabia because of the government’s human rights violations,” Ganesan stated. Accepting funds from those comedians could lead to the impression that the organization compromised its independence post-factum. He added that to his knowledge, Human Rights Watch has neither been approached by nor has it received financial contributions from any artists slated to perform in Riyadh.
On his late-night show Tuesday, Jimmy Kimmel interrogated Ansari regarding his decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. “It’s quite a brutal regime,” Kimmel commented about the Islamic Kingdom under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “They’ve committed numerous atrocious acts.”
Ansari replied that he “reflected extensively” on his decision and concluded that “a comedy festival seemed like an opportunity to foster openness and dialogue. You have to make a choice of whether to isolate or engage. For me, especially with my background and appearance, it felt significant to take part.”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival took place from September 26 to October 9, highlighting a stark contrast between the A-list comedians who accepted substantial compensation to perform—including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., and Pete Davidson—and those who declined offers, such as Shane Gillis and Atsuko Okatsuka. (According to sources, comedian payments reportedly ranged from mid-six figures to $1.6 million for a single performance.)
Okatsuka disclosed on X that she opted out of the Riyadh Comedy Festival, stating, “the funds are coming directly from the Crown Prince, who executes journalists, individuals with minor drug offenses, and bloggers without due process.” She shared screenshots of an offer letter that purportedly included a “content restrictions” clause aimed at preventing comedians from joking about the Saudi government, legal system, or religious practices.
David Cross issued a statement criticizing fellow comedians who participated in the festival, asserting: “How can anyone ever take you seriously again? All your complaints about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ are null. You lose that right now.” He remarked that everyone has by now seen the contract they had to sign.
Conversely, numerous prominent comedians have stood by their choices to perform at the festival. Burr described it as “one of the top three experiences I’ve had,” mentioning that “the royals appreciated the show.” C.K. remarked that it was a “good opportunity” and emphasized that “comedy serves as an excellent medium to initiate dialogue.” Chappelle quipped during his Saudi performance that “it’s easier to have a conversation here than it is in America.”
As Human Rights Watch pointed out in a press release on Wednesday, “Chappelle has not publicly addressed Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations.”
