Louis CK performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, in Saudi Arabia’s Boulevard City. The festival was part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and improve its global cultural image by hosting international events.[1][4]
Festival Lineup and Restrictions
The festival featured over 50 comedians, including prominent names like Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, and Louis CK himself. The event showcased various comedy styles such as stand-up, satire, and improv.[2][1]
Performers faced contractual content restrictions specifically banning jokes about Saudi Arabia’s government and religion. Louis CK noted these were the only two no-go topics for his set, conditions he accepted to be part of the opening of comedy in a previously closed market.[7]
Ethical Concerns and Criticism
The event drew heavy criticism from human rights organizations and parts of the comedy community. Human Rights Watch condemned the festival as a public relations move by the Saudi government to whitewash severe human rights abuses, including repression of free speech, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ oppression. They urged performers to use the platform to call for the release of detained activists and to speak out against censorship.[3]
Several comedians, including David Cross and Marc Maron, criticized peers participating in the festival for undermining their previous stances on cancel culture and censorship. Some performers like Nimesh Patel dropped out over ethical reasons, while Tim Dillon was removed from the lineup due to controversial jokes.[5][1]
Performers’ Perspectives
Louis CK defended his decision on Real Time With Bill Maher, acknowledging mixed feelings but emphasizing the cultural opportunity. He highlighted the response to Jessica Kirson, a Jewish lesbian comedian who received a standing ovation, as a sign of unexpected openness in Saudi audiences.[1]
Jessica Kirson later expressed regret for participating under the Saudi government’s auspices but hoped her presence might help LGBTQ+ individuals in Saudi Arabia feel seen. She pledged to donate her festival fee to human rights causes.[1]
Bill Burr described his experience as “mind-blowing,” praising the audience’s enthusiasm and the festival’s potential to foster positive cultural change.[1]
Contextual Timing and Impact
The festival coincided with sensitive historical events, including the seventh anniversary of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Critics note this timing as particularly ironic given the festival’s aim to improve Saudi Arabia’s international image through entertainment.[3][7]
The Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025 represented a complex crossroads of culture, politics, and ethics. While it opened doors for international comedians and new audiences, it also sparked debate over complicity in reputational whitewashing by a regime with a troubling human rights record. Louis CK and other performers saw the festival as a platform with potential for dialogue, while critics warned against overlooking broader abuses.[5][3][1]
