Renowned comedian Jessica Kirson, an openly gay veteran of the stand-up comedy scene, has publicly expressed her “sincere regret” for participating in the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival. This event, which is currently taking place from September 26 to October 9, has drawn attention for its lineup of over 50 celebrities, including notable names such as Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and Kevin Hart. Touted as the “world’s largest comedy festival,” the event has faced significant backlash, prompting Kirson to reflect on her involvement.
As the festival progressed, it became increasingly controversial, with insiders from the comedy world like Marc Maron, David Cross, and Atsuko Okatsuka voicing their concerns. Cross highlighted Saudi Arabia’s “oppressive regime” and its treatment of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and journalists as focal points of alarm. Okatsuka, who declined an invitation to perform, made waves by posting the festival's contract online, revealing clauses that restricted artists from performing material that could “degrade, defame, or bring into public disrepute” the Saudi government and its culture.
In her statement, shared exclusively with The Hollywood Reporter, Kirson expressed surprise at being invited to the festival. She emphasized that she sought assurances to be “openly out as a lesbian” during her performance, hoping to provide representation for LGBTQ+ individuals in Saudi Arabia. “I am grateful that I was able to do precisely that — to my knowledge, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage in Saudi Arabia,” she noted. However, she also acknowledged her regret about performing under the auspices of the Saudi government and has pledged to donate her entire fee to an undisclosed human rights organization.
In the wake of her performance, Kirson's fans have taken to social media, expressing their disappointment. Comments on her Instagram include sentiments like, “You really sold out like…I’m super sad about this,” and “Still waiting for the explanation behind your terrible decision to accept money from a horrible regime.” Despite the criticism, some comedians like Burr defended their participation, citing positive experiences and audience engagement at the festival.
Kirson’s heartfelt statement concluded with an appeal to her fans. “I have a special relationship with my fans because of the vulnerable nature of my comedy and the trust they place in me as part of the queer community. To my fans: I see you. I hear you. Your voice matters to me,” she stated. Kirson has committed to taking full responsibility for her actions and aims to ensure that her future decisions align more closely with her values and the expectations of her followers.
As the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival continues, Jessica Kirson stands out as one of the few comedians to openly address the implications of her participation. Her decision to donate her fee underscores her commitment to human rights and her desire to foster dialogue regarding the responsibilities of artists in politically sensitive environments.
