Louis C.K. Reveals Why Joining Riyadh Comedy Festival Is “A Positive Thing” Despite Doubts

Louis C.K. has recently discussed his choice to participate in the first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on Real Time last Friday, the comedian shared that he had reservations about attending the event, which has drawn criticism from many within the comedy community. However, he ultimately viewed his participation as beneficial.

“Talking to other comedians who have been there was enlightening,” he remarked to host Bill Maher. “One performer, who is both lesbian and Jewish, received a standing ovation. It’s clear there are some unexpected developments happening at the festival.”

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Louis C.K. emphasized that entertainers have been performing in Saudi Arabia for years, including recent film festivals. “I’ve historically declined offers to perform in Arab countries. But they only had two stipulations this time—religion and government—which are topics I don’t touch in my jokes. Hearing that the country was ‘opening up’ intrigued me. It seemed like an opportunity to initiate dialogue through comedy,” he explained.

He plans to visit a local comedy club on his first night to meet Saudi comedians. “I have a deep love for stand-up and comedians, and to see this scene starting to flourish there is something I want to witness and be part of,” he added.

Further into the discussion, Louis C.K. acknowledged the importance of the ongoing debate around the festival. “It’s good that these issues are being raised. It’s important not to pretend the situation is something it’s not,” he stated.

He admitted to having his own doubts after hearing criticism: “There are positive and negative aspects to consider. But after reflecting on it, I feel participating is the right choice for me, and I understand my own reasons clearly,” he confessed.

Some comedians have publicly criticized their colleagues who have agreed to perform at the festival, pointing to the Saudi government’s involvement in the events of 9/11 and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. They also highlight the human rights violations tied to Saudi’s Minister of Entertainment, Turki Al-Sheikh, who organized the festival.

Joey Shea, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, told CBS News, “The Saudi government has poured billions into high-profile entertainment events to distract from its appalling human rights record. This strategy is intended to shift focus from ongoing severe abuses within the country to more palatable topics like comedy.”

Since Deadline first announced the lineup in July, the Riyadh Comedy Festival has expanded to feature top comedians like Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Dave Chappelle, and many others.