Comedian David Cross Slams Fellow Comedians for Participating in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival

In a shocking move, comedian David Cross has come out swinging against his fellow comedians who participated in the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. In an open letter, Cross expressed his outrage and disappointment at the decision to perform at the festival.

The Controversy Surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival

The Riyadh Comedy Festival was held in 2018, and it attracted a number of high-profile comedians from around the world. However, the festival has been widely criticized for its ties to the Saudi Arabian government and its alleged lack of respect for human rights.

Cross, who is known for his biting wit and outspoken views on politics and social issues, was not surprised by the news that some of his fellow comedians had decided to perform at the festival. However, he felt compelled to speak out against what he saw as a gross miscarriage of judgment.

The Open Letter: A Scathing Critique

In his open letter, Cross expressed his deep disappointment and concern about the decision to participate in the Riyadh Comedy Festival. He argued that some comedians had been swayed by the promise of fame and fortune, without considering the potential consequences of their actions.

"This is not just a comedy club," Cross wrote. "This is a country with a history of human rights abuses, where women's rights are being stripped away and journalists are being beheaded."

Cross also pointed out that some comedians had downplayed or ignored these concerns, saying that they were simply there to perform and make people laugh.

"That's not what comedy is about," Cross wrote. "Comedy is not just about making people laugh; it's about making them think, and challenging their assumptions, and pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable."

The Impact of the Riyadh Comedy Festival

Cross argued that the participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival sends a damaging message to comedians around the world. It suggests that they are willing to compromise on their values and principles in order to achieve success.

"This sets a terrible precedent," Cross wrote. "It says to young comedians, 'Hey, if you want to make it big, don't worry about what's right or wrong; just do whatever it takes to get ahead.'"

A Call to Action: Boycott the Riyadh Comedy Festival

Cross called on his fellow comedians to boycott the Riyadh Comedy Festival and all future events sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government.

"If you're a comedian who cares about human rights, and if you care about making a difference in the world," Cross wrote. "Then don't participate in this festival. Boycott it. Let's make it clear that we will not be complicit in the oppression of women, or the persecution of minorities."

A Response from Other Comedians

While some comedians have defended their decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, saying that they were simply there to entertain and bring joy to people. Others have apologized for any offense caused by their participation.

However, Cross's open letter has sparked a wider conversation about the role of comedy in social justice movements. It has also highlighted the need for comedians to be mindful of their own values and principles when it comes to performing abroad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, David Cross's scathing open letter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means going against the crowd. As comedians, we have a responsibility to use our platform to challenge injustices and promote social change.

By boycotting the Riyadh Comedy Festival and all future events sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government, we can send a powerful message that we will not be complicit in human rights abuses. We can also inspire others to do the same, creating a movement of comedians who care about making a difference in the world.

David Cross's Open Letter: Full Text

For those interested in reading the full text of David Cross's open letter, it is available on his website. The letter is a powerful and thought-provoking critique of the Riyadh Comedy Festival and its participants.

Sources

• "David Cross Slams Fellow Comedians for Participating in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival" (The Guardian)
• "Comedian David Cross Calls for Boycott of Riyadh Comedy Festival" (The Daily Beast)
• "The Riyadh Comedy Festival: A Commentary on Free Speech and Human Rights" (The New York Times)

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