David Cross Joins Chorus Of Stand-Ups Slamming Riyadh Comedy Festival

The recent Riyadh Comedy Festival, billed as a major international event, has ignited a fierce debate within the global comedy community, drawing both top-tier talent and sharp condemnation. Amidst the discussions surrounding ethics, human rights, and financial incentives, veteran comedian David Cross has emerged as a particularly vocal critic, joining a chorus of stand-ups slamming the event and those participating in it.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival: A High-Profile, High-Stakes Event

From September 26 to October 9, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, hosted its inaugural comedy festival, featuring a lineup of more than 50 prominent American and British comedians. The roster included names such as Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart, Jimmy Carr, Bill Burr, Pete Davidson, and Louis C.K.. The festival was part of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” plan, an initiative aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy and enhancing its global reputation through investments in sports, arts, and culture.

However, the event quickly became a lightning rod for controversy, largely due to Saudi Arabia’s well-documented human rights record. Organizations like Human Rights Watch have explicitly accused the Saudi government of utilizing such high-profile events to “deflect attention from its brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations”. A 2024 U.S. State Department report detailed abuses including “arbitrary or unlawful killings, disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, and serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom.”

David Cross’s Vehement Criticism

In this charged atmosphere, David Cross did not mince words. He publicly “ripped into many of his former comedy heroes” for their decision to perform at the festival. Sharing his thoughts on his website and via an X (formerly Twitter) post, Cross conveyed his profound disappointment, stating, “I am disgusted, and deeply disappointed in this whole gross thing.” He questioned the motivations of comedians he once admired, asking how they could “condone this totalitarian fiefdom for… what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers?”

Cross went further, categorizing the Saudi Arabian government as “literally, the most oppressive regime on Earth” and unequivocally labeling the financial compensation received by performers as “blood money.” He argued that by accepting these lucrative deals—reportedly ranging from $350,000 to $1.6 million per appearance—these comedians forfeited any future credibility to speak on issues like “cancel culture” or “freedom of speech.”

The Broader Chorus of Condemnation

Cross is far from alone in his stance. Several other prominent comedians have either declined invitations or publicly criticized the festival:

• Marc Maron: Though not invited, Maron was vocal in his opposition, making a cutting satirical remark about the festival’s promotion and underscoring the human rights concerns.
• Shane Gillis: Despite being offered a “significant bag,” which was then doubled, Gillis confirmed he took a “principled stand” and declined to perform.
• Atsuko Okatsuka: She not only turned down an invitation but also made public the contractual stipulations she received, which included explicit prohibitions against jokes that might “degrade, defame, or bring into public disrepute” the Saudi government, royal family, or religion. This revelation highlighted the irony for comedians who often champion free speech performing under such restrictive conditions.
• Stavros Halkias: He also declined, citing the “spooky” nature of Saudi Arabia.
• Zach Woods and Nimesh Patel: Both publicly denounced the event, with Patel dropping out on ethical grounds.

The controversy also extended to comments made by comedians who were initially set to perform. Tim Dillon, for instance, claimed he was removed from the lineup after making jokes on his podcast about alleged slave labor in Saudi Arabia, despite initially intending to accept a substantial payment.

Ethical Dilemmas and “Artwashing” Accusations

The Riyadh Comedy Festival has starkly illuminated the ethical tightrope walked by artists invited to perform in countries with contentious human rights records. Critics frequently use terms like “sportswashing” or “artswashing” to describe the practice of regimes using cultural or sporting events to improve their international image and deflect attention from internal repression.

Leah Remini, an actress and activist, also weighed in, sharing remarks from a 2024 Democracy in Saudi Arabia Summit where she urged Westerners not to “launder” the regime of Saudi Arabian Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS). She emphasized the right and responsibility of individuals to advocate for basic freedoms, even while acknowledging that governmental decisions are ultimately for the Saudi people.

Conclusion: An Unresolved Debate

The participation of high-profile comedians in the Riyadh Comedy Festival, juxtaposed with the strong condemnations from figures like David Cross and human rights organizations, underscores an ongoing, complex debate about artistic integrity, financial temptation, and global responsibility. While proponents might argue for the cultural exchange or the potential for subtle influence, critics maintain that performing under such conditions, especially with content restrictions, ultimately lends legitimacy to regimes accused of severe human rights abuses. This division within the comedy world reflects broader societal questions about how individuals and institutions should engage with nations whose values starkly contrast with their own.