A comedy festival in Riyadh featuring sexual jokes and taboo humour has ignited fierce criticism, exposing tensions between Saudi Arabia’s conservative Islamic values and its state-backed push for western-style entertainment.
The first Riyadh Comedy Festival, which kicked off last weekend and is marketed as the world’s largest, saw international stars including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Jimmy Carr and Omid Djalili perform. Attendees said acts included explicit sexual jokes and jokes about wives and niqab – content described as “very haram” by local fans.
One attendee said the opening act by Bill Burr featured a “ten-minute segment all about sex,” something unheard of in Riyadh.
Others noted jokes about the niqab and women driving. Female audience members, however, were seen laughing, underscoring a generational divide.
“Every Saudi who attends a show like this will learn something,” said one local. Yet critics argued the festival contradicted Islamic norms and traditional Saudi values, describing it as a deliberate attempt to reshape society under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms.
While comedians touched on taboo sexual subjects, none addressed Saudi Arabia’s record of human rights abuses. Human Rights Watch accused the event of “whitewashing” repression, warning that dissidents, journalists and activists remain imprisoned.
The timing also provoked outrage. The festival coincided with the seventh anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination, which a U.S. intelligence report said was approved by the Crown Prince. Comedian Marc Maron referenced the killing in a stand-up routine abroad, calling out colleagues for accepting Saudi money.
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Saudi authorities have been accused of jailing critics for decades-long sentences, torturing detainees and banning discussion of the royal family or religion. Leaked contracts allegedly barred comedians from making any remarks about the kingdom’s rulers.
Comedians such as Jessica Kirson apologised for taking part, pledging to donate her fee to human rights causes. Others, including Shane Gillis and Atsuko Okatsuka, turned down invitations, citing conscience.
Critics labelled those who performed “morally repugnant” for ignoring the plight of prisoners of conscience.
American performers who accepted lucrative offers defended their decisions, saying the festival was about bringing comedy to a conservative society. Bill Burr said Saudi audiences “just wanted to laugh,” while others admitted the financial rewards were a major draw.
The festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider drive to diversify its economy and soften its global image. Billions have been funnelled into sport, gaming and entertainment, including ownership of Newcastle United and hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Supporters inside the kingdom say these initiatives bring joy to young Saudis eager for change. But rights advocates warn that glitzy spectacles cannot mask ongoing injustice. “It is extraordinary to see comedians defend free speech at home while ignoring those silenced in Saudi jails,” said one campaigner.
