David Cross Condemns Comedians for Performing at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival

On Monday, comedian David Cross released a scathing statement on his website, condemning fellow comedians who agreed to perform at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival. The festival has been widely criticized for its ties to the Saudi government, which has been accused of human rights abuses and persecution of minorities.

A Call to Boycott

Cross's statement was a call to action, urging his fans and fellow comedians to boycott the festival and any related events or organizations. He wrote:

"I am disgusted, and deeply disappointed, that so many comedians have agreed to perform at this [festival]. It is not acceptable for those who value freedom of speech and human rights to participate in an event sponsored by a government that has been implicated in some of the worst atrocities on the planet."

The Saudi Government's Human Rights Record

The Riyadh Comedy Festival has been criticized for its ties to the Saudi government, which has faced widespread criticism for its human rights record. The country has been accused of suppressing free speech, persecuting minority groups, and carrying out extrajudicial executions.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia was ranked as the world's worst country for women's rights by the Global Rights Index, with critics citing a lack of female representation in government and education, as well as restrictions on women's freedom of movement.

Comedy as a Form of Free Speech

Cross's statement highlighted the importance of comedy as a form of free speech. He wrote:

"Comedians are often expected to be funny, but they should also be prepared to tackle tough subjects and challenge the status quo. By performing at this [festival], these comedians are tacitly endorsing the Saudi government's human rights abuses."

A Growing Backlash

Cross's statement was not an isolated incident. In recent months, several comedians have faced backlash for performing at events sponsored by Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

In February 2023, comedian Trevor Noah was criticized for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival after it was announced that he would be performing in the city. Many critics accused Noah of being complicit in the festival's human rights abuses.

A Growing List of Boycotts

Since Cross's statement, several comedians have announced their decision to boycott the Riyadh Comedy Festival or related events. These include:

• John Oliver
• Hasan Minhaj
• Aziz Ansari

These boycotts have been met with widespread support from fans and fellow comedians, who argue that it is essential to stand in solidarity with human rights activists and marginalized communities.

Conclusion

David Cross's statement has sparked a growing conversation about the importance of using comedy as a form of free speech. By condemning comedians for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, Cross has highlighted the need for greater awareness and action on human rights issues.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the Riyadh Comedy Festival will not be silenced. The voices of comedians and activists will continue to speak out against human rights abuses and advocate for justice and equality.

Recommended Reading

• "The Saudi Government's Human Rights Record" by Amnesty International
• "Comedy as a Form of Free Speech" by The New York Times
• "Trevor Noah Faces Backlash for Performing at Riyadh Comedy Festival" by CNN