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submitted 3 weeks ago by Nastybutler@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

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.

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[-] FenderStratocaster@lemmy.world 6 points 3 weeks ago

OH NICE SLAM GUYS

[-] renrenPDX@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 3 weeks ago

Oh wow. I hope all this fallout they're going to receive is worth it for them.

[-] MojitoMoon@lemmy.zip 4 points 3 weeks ago

Saudi has a population of around 35 million and 15 of those are foreigners. The people have the right to have some entertainment and all the jobs and other economic benefits that events like this bring to the people.

Not to mention more exposure to western media might help the people becoming more progressive no? I don't understand why people just want the people in Saudi to just be miserable just because they don't agree with their government. I don't see people wishing misery on Americans just because of the actions of their corrupt government.

[-] W3dd1e@lemmy.zip 5 points 3 weeks ago

I agree with most of what you said with a caveat. If the Saudi leadership stands to profit, I don’t want to support it.

They are a sponsor of global terrorism, including events like 9/11 and will kill journalists or other people who speak out against them.

They have an incredibly poor history of human rights violations. They’ve committed mass executions multiple times, most recently in 2022. They do public executions via decapitation, stoning, and crucifixion. Homosexuality is illegal and a capital offense.

It’s a popular location for human trafficking. Kafala is used to keep migrant workers in slavery. Kafala is a way for employers to “sponsor” migrant workers. The employee cannot enter the country, quit their job, find new employment, or leave the country without permission from their employer. Those employees typically become slaves.

That said western influence does have an effect. Women gained the right to drive in 2018 and are starting to be allowed back into the workforce. If we shut ourselves off completely, we risk pushing Saudi’s Arabia backwards.

[-] MojitoMoon@lemmy.zip 3 points 3 weeks ago

I agree with all of that and I'm aware of how bad the government is but I think if it's gonna benefits the people overall and they deserve it after being in an extremely conservative culture for so long. The government doesn't nor should it get more money but again I just think if it's gonna benefit the people then it's not a bad thing over all.

I don't agree with censorship as well but like you said they're so far behind in human rights and this is just a step forward towards a more progressive community

[-] fantasyocean@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 3 weeks ago

So you really think that they're going to allow those comedians to perform without having a once-over of their material? Also, isn't the Saudi government already known for censoring Western media?

[-] MojitoMoon@lemmy.zip 1 points 3 weeks ago

Oh I fully believe they will and I wouldn't watch them personally. I'm just saying it's a step forward towards opening up the community more towards the west rather than have them live in a bubble like north Korea or probably Saudi itself not so long ago.

After all the people that like those comedians would eventually watch their stuff online if they haven't already.

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[-] rising_man@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

Considering how backwards the Saudi government is in terms if human rights, it still feels like a win for bringing some different thinking over there.

I would also note:

-Those gentlemen are not perceived as the friendliest to the feminists because they are middle-age dudes. That could explain how they end up in this line up.

-They are more the type to have the balls to go give a controversial show in an autocratic country.

[-] Krauerking@lemy.lol 4 points 3 weeks ago

I mean the peasants back at home are running out of spending money. You wont get a paycheck not selling out.

Who cares if you only perform for oligarchs and slave owners. Got to get paid for making them feel like classic American.

[-] IndustryStandard@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

America is literally committing genocide. Americans need to get off their high horse already.

[-] fantasyocean@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 3 weeks ago

How does a few elites creating a censored comedy festival for attendees, who can only attend the event because of the financial position they're only in because of the Royal family, create a more progressive Saudi society?

[-] heyWhatsay@slrpnk.net 3 points 3 weeks ago

Tons of artists sell out, because it's crazy oil money. Pretty sure Beyonce was out there performing

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this post was submitted on 27 Sep 2025
411 points (100.0% liked)

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