Controversial comedian Louis C.K. has sparked fresh debate after defending his participation in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival. He recently claimed the kingdom’s content restrictions don’t affect him because he lacks material on the censored topics.
Speaking on HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher, C.K. revealed that organizers told him there would be only two restrictions on his performance: “Their religion and their government.” His response was surprisingly matter-of-fact: “I don’t have jokes about those two things.”
This casual dismissal of censorship has drawn sharp criticism from fellow comedians, particularly given C.K.’s past complaints about cancel culture and free speech restrictions in America. Critics argue his stance reveals a troubling double standard.
The comedian acknowledged having “mixed feelings” about performing at the Saudi-backed festival but ultimately defended his decision as “a good opportunity.” He expressed enthusiasm about comedy “opening up” in the region, stating: “I love standup comedy, and I love comedians. So, the fact that that’s opening up and starting to bud, I wanna see it, I wanna be part of it. I think that’s a positive thing.”
However, C.K.’s claim about lacking relevant material appears questionable when examined against his past performances. His previous work reveals he has previously performed jokes touching on religious themes, including material about Islamic beliefs regarding martyrdom and paradise. In one routine, he joked extensively about the concept of 72 virgins awaiting martyrs, questioning the logistics and morality of such beliefs.
The contradiction hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers. Comedian David Cross published a scathing rebuke on his website, directly calling out C.K. and other festival participants: “All of your bi**hing about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that s**t? Done. You don’t get to talk about it ever again.”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival, featuring major names like Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, and Pete Davidson, has been widely criticized as an attempt by Saudi Arabia to improve its international image amid ongoing human rights concerns. Human Rights Watch urged performers to use their platforms to highlight detained activists and acknowledge the anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.
Some comedians have been more candid about their motivations. Tim Dillon’s set was canceled after he admitted on his podcast that he was participating because “they are paying me a large sum of money. They are paying me enough money to look the other way.”
C.K. pointed to positive audience reactions as justification for the festival, noting: “There’s a woman who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation.” He was referring to Jessica Kirson, though she has since expressed “sincere regret” for her participation.
The controversy comes as C.K. attempts a major comeback following his 2017 sexual misconduct scandal. His current “Ridiculous” world tour has sold out venues across North America and Europe, including an upcoming December show in San Francisco, suggesting audiences remain willing to support him despite ongoing controversies.