On his late-night talk show Tuesday night, Jimmy Kimmel engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with comedian Aziz Ansari regarding his recent performance at the controversial, state-sponsored Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Kimmel expressed concerns over the festival's funding, stating that many comedians are upset because the individuals financing the event are associated with a “brutal regime.” He referenced the actions of the Islamic regime led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing that “they’ve done a lot of horrible, horrible things.”
Kimmel pressed Ansari on why he would accept payment from such a regime, questioning, “People are questioning why you would go over there and take their money to perform in front of these people.” Ansari responded by stating that his decision was not made lightly, revealing that he sought advice from his aunt, who previously lived in Saudi Arabia. “There are people over there that don’t agree with the stuff that the government’s doing,” he explained, adding that it is unfair to attribute the government's actions to the populace as a whole.
While acknowledging the United States' own shortcomings, Kimmel pointed out the gravity of the situation in Saudi Arabia, referring to the state-sponsored murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In defense of his choice, Ansari stated, “I was just there to do a show for the people,” highlighting the importance of dialogue in repressive societies. He argued that engaging with such audiences could help foster change, noting, “This is a very young country, like half the country is under the age of 25, and things can really change.”
Ansari further elaborated that comedy festivals can act as a catalyst for openness, stating, “Whenever there’s repressive societies like this, they try to keep things out… to push things to be more open and to push a dialogue.” He emphasized the significance of his presence there, considering his background and appearance, suggesting it was important for someone like him to participate in the festival.
Kimmel is not alone in his skepticism regarding the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which runs from September 26 to October 9 and features a lineup of prominent comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., and Pete Davidson. Comedian Marc Maron was among the first to voice criticism, highlighting the moral implications of performing for a regime responsible for heinous acts. He remarked on his podcast, “I mean, the same guy that’s gonna pay them is the same guy that paid that guy to bone-saw Jamal Khashoggi.”
Other comedians have also taken a stand against the festival. Shane Gillis mentioned that he declined a lucrative offer to perform, citing a “principled stand.” Reports indicate that comedian paydays for the festival ranged from mid-six-figures to as high as $1.6 million for a single performance. Atsuko Okatsuka publicly shared her decision to decline an offer, emphasizing that the funding comes directly from a regime that executes individuals without due process.
Despite the backlash, several high-profile comedians defended their participation in the festival. Bill Burr described it as “one of the top three experiences I’ve had,” claiming that “the royals loved the show.” Louis C.K. referred to it as a “good opportunity,” asserting that comedy can serve as a valuable means of initiating conversation. Dave Chappelle humorously noted during his performance that “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America.”
As the conversation around the Riyadh Comedy Festival continues, the clash of perspectives within the comedy community highlights the complex relationship between art, morality, and geopolitical realities. Watch the full discussion between Kimmel and Ansari below.
