On his late-night show on Tuesday, Jimmy Kimmel confronted Aziz Ansari regarding his performance at the contentious, state-sponsored Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Kimmel remarked, “This issue has stirred up a lot of discussion, particularly among comedians, because those funding this event are not exactly noble characters. It’s a harsh regime that has committed atrocious acts,” referring to the regime overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“People have raised questions about your decision to accept money from them and perform for such an audience,” Kimmel continued. “I’m curious about the reasoning behind your choice.”
Ansari explained that his choice to perform at the festival was “a well-considered decision,” adding that he consulted his aunt who formerly lived in Saudi Arabia.
“There are residents there who oppose the government’s actions, and it’s unjust to equate their character with the government’s misdeeds. Just like some people in America don’t support what our government does,” Ansari pointed out.
Kimmel acknowledged that “there are grave issues happening here in the U.S.,” but expressed his disagreement with Ansari’s analogy. He stated, “They killed a journalist. The leaders there are not good people,” referencing the state-sponsored murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
Ansari defensive stance was, “I’m there to entertain the audience.” He elaborated, “In oppressive societies, the leadership strives to restrict outside influences like music and fashion that inspire curiosity about alternative perspectives. This country has a youthful demographic, with a majority under 25, and there’s potential for change. A comedy festival could promote openness and dialogue.”
He added, “You must decide whether to engage or retreat. For me, especially being a person of Muslim background, I felt it was important to be involved. I hope this leads to positive outcomes.”
Kimmel isn’t the first comedian to express skepticism about the Riyadh event, which runs from September 26 to October 9, featuring notable names like Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Pete Davidson, and other comedians from the United States.
Marc Maron was among the first to voice criticism of the Riyadh Comedy Festival, joking on his podcast: “The entity funding this is the same one responsible for the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi.” Shane Gillis revealed that he turned down a substantial offer to perform, stating he took a “principled stance.” (Sources indicate that some comedians were offered between mid-six figures to up to $1.6 million for a single show.)
Atsuko Okatsuka disclosed on X that she declined an opportunity to participate in the Riyadh Comedy Festival, stating, “The funding is directly from the Crown Prince, who executes journalists and people with minor drug offenses without due process.” She shared screenshots of the offer letter, which allegedly included a “content restrictions” section that sought to prevent jokes about the government, legal system, or religious practices in Saudi Arabia.
David Cross wrote a scathing statement directed at those participating in the festival, declaring: “How can any of us take any of you seriously again? All your grievances about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘free speech’? You no longer have a voice on these matters. We’ve all seen the contract you signed.”
Conversely, several prominent comedians have defended their involvement in the festival. Burr described it as “one of the top three experiences I’ve ever had,” asserting that “the royals were very appreciative of the performance.” C.K. mentioned it as a “valuable opportunity” and claimed “comedy is an excellent means to incite conversation.” Chappelle humorously noted on stage in Saudi Arabia that “It’s easier to converse here than in America.”
Check out Kimmel and Ansari’s discussion below.
