Some of the world’s best-known comedians – including American performers Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Louis C.K., and Bill Burr – have been dubbed “sellouts” for taking part in a Saudi state-sponsored comedy festival in the wake of another journalist’s killing, and a reported rise in executions for non-lethal and drug-related crimes, along with long prison sentences imposed for social media posts.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s government, is a new, lucrative gig for big-name comedians as the country expands its entertainment sector as part of “Saudi Vision 2030.” The initiative, brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also includes the highly-controversial LIV Golf tournament and investments in the tech, gaming, and venture capital sectors.
Burr was surprising. Not in a “Oh my god he would never!” sort of way, but in a “huh. That shoe finally dropped. Was wondering when that was gonna happen” way.
No one expects better from Chappelle or C.K anymore. They’re already disgraced so they may as well sell out.
Segura was disappointing. Iglesias wasn’t surprising. Davidson was surprising given his background, but my expectations for him are already so low that it wasn’t a letdown.
Plot twist, Burr goes there and has a Philly era rant and incites a civil war.
You were surprised by Tom “fuck you poors” Segura? Dude hasn’t even been funny in years