Louis CK defends the decision to take part in the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
In his recent appearance in “Real Time with Bill Maher,” CK said the other comedians at the event were “really surprised” by the overwhelming response from the Riyadh audience. He added that it is “positive” to be part of the budding comedy scene in places where the act is usually heavily censored.
“There was a woman who had a show with lesbian and Jewish women and she got a standing ovation,” CK said. “So this is something unexpected happening. People have been playing Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been going to Arab countries and playing. There was a film festival recently.
“And when this came out they said there were only two restrictions: their religion and their government. I’m not kidding about those two things. It was a long list when I received an offer from such a place. But when I heard it was open, I think it’s very interesting.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has attracted a lot of criticism from American comedians who question the morality of performing at Saudi festivals. David Cross issued a scathing statement on his website, calling for CK by name after agreeing to attend the event.
“Obviously you guys don’t give us shit about what the rest of us are thinking, but how can any of us take everyone of you seriously again?” Cross wrote. “Everything about ‘culture cancellation’ and ‘free speech’ and more, all your bitches have done all the shit. You can never talk about it again. Now I saw the deal you had to sign. ”
Comedian Bill Barr also defended his decision to perform in Riyadh. He called the festival “one of the top three experiences I’ve had.”
“It was great to experience that part of the world and be part of the first comedy festival held in Saudi Arabia,” Barr said on a September 29 episode of his “Monday Morning Podcast.” “The Royals loved the show. Everyone was happy. The people who were doing the festival were excited.”
