Dave Chappelle's Free Speech Conundrum: More Liberty in Saudi Arabia?
COMEDY GOLD: DAVE CHAPPELLE'S SAUDI ROYALTY SHOWDOWN
In a move that has left many in the comedy world gasping, Dave Chappelle took to the stage at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, where he boldly declared that he had more "free speech" to make jokes than in America. The legendary comic's set was met with a mixture of shock and awe from the audience of 6,000 people, who were eager to see what kind of edgy humor Chappelle would bring to the repressive Saudi kingdom.
But Chappelle didn't hold back, taking aim at some of the most sensitive topics in American politics. "Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you'll get canceled," he said, referencing the right-wing commentator who has been a frequent target of criticism on social media. "I don't know if that's true, but I'm gonna find out."
Chappelle's jokes were met with laughter and applause from the audience, but not everyone was amused. Critics took to social media to slam Chappelle for performing in front of the Saudi royals and making light of sensitive topics. One critic wrote: "Dave Chappelle who went to Africa to avoid his show becoming a soulless grab for a millionaire and Dave Chappelle now are not the same guys."
Others dared Chappelle to take on some of the most pressing issues facing Saudi Arabia, including the brutal murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "Dave Chappelle should try telling a joke about MBS bonesawing a journalist and report back how that goes," said Armand Domalewski.
But what many people didn't know was that comedians who performed at the festival had negotiated with the government to make it so that they could say anything they wanted, except for making fun of the royals and religion. "It's easier to talk here than it is in America," Chappelle said, seemingly oblivious to the controversy surrounding his performance.
Fellow performer Bill Burr confirmed on his podcast earlier this week that comics had negotiated with the government to make it so that they could say anything they wanted, except for making fun of the royals and religion. "We contractually agreed not to tell jokes about Saudi leadership or religion," he said.
But some comedians have pulled out of the festival due to criticism of the Saudi government's human rights record. Comedian Tim Dillon bragged that he was being paid $375,000 for his appearance and claimed some of his rivals were pocketing up to $1.6 million. "I am doing this because they're paying me a large sum of money – enough money to look the other way," he said.
However, Dillon's comments about migrant workers in Saudi Arabia sparked outrage, and he was later dropped from the festival. Australian comedian Jim Jeffries was also removed from the festival after making critical comments on Theo Von's podcast.
Bill Burr defended his appearance at the festival, praising the atmosphere and saying that the rules had been negotiated by the comics down to two taboos: "Don't make fun of royals [and] religion." But others were not so forgiving. Comedian and former Arrested Development star David Cross lambasted the comedians who chose to perform at the festival in an open letter.
"I am disgusted and deeply disappointed in this whole gross thing, that people I admire, with unarguable talent, would condone this totalitarian fiefdom for... what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers? We can never again take seriously anything these comedians complain about."
The festival is taking place from September 26 to October 9, 2025, at Boulevard City in Riyadh. Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, has been eager to rehabilitate his global image after the killing of Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence officials accused him of ordering.
He's also seeking an economic revival for the kingdom to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and the occasion was an opportunity to demonstrate that the floodgates for investment were open again. But not everyone is buying it. As one critic put it: "What's your problem? They have slaves and they kill everyone... Get over it."
And as for Chappelle, he seemed unfazed by the controversy surrounding his performance. "They're going to do something to me so that I can't say what I want to say," he said, referencing his fear of reprisal over material critical of Israel's response in Gaza.
But one thing is certain: the Riyadh Comedy Festival has sparked a heated debate about free speech and censorship, with many comedians weighing in on social media. And as for Chappelle, only time will tell if he'll face any consequences for his performance in Saudi Arabia.
UPDATE
The controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival has only grown since our initial report. Some have called for a boycott of the festival, while others have defended the comedians who performed there. In response to the backlash, the festival organizers released a statement saying that they "welcome all types of comedy" and are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for performers and audiences alike.
But not everyone is buying it. Comedian and activist Sarah Silverman has been vocal about her opposition to the festival, saying that she would never perform in Saudi Arabia due to its human rights record. And as for Chappelle, he's remained mum on the controversy, leaving many wondering if he'll face any consequences for his performance.
As one critic put it: "The Riyadh Comedy Festival is a PR stunt for the Saudi government, and comedians who perform there are basically selling out." But others have defended the festival, saying that it provides a platform for comedians to push boundaries and challenge social norms.
Only time will tell how this controversy will play out. But one thing is certain: the Riyadh Comedy Festival has sparked a heated debate about free speech and censorship, with many comedians weighing in on social media.
THE SCHOLARLY NOTE EXCLUSIVE
In an exclusive interview with our team, we spoke to comedian and activist Sarah Silverman about her opposition to the Riyadh Comedy Festival. "I would never perform in Saudi Arabia due to its human rights record," she said. "The festival is a PR stunt for the Saudi government, and comedians who perform there are basically selling out."
Silverman also slammed Chappelle's performance at the festival, saying that he was "tone-deaf" to the controversy surrounding his appearance. "Dave Chappelle should know better than to perform in front of the Saudi royals," she said.
But not everyone agrees with Silverman's assessment. Comedian and writer James Acaster defended Chappelle's performance, saying that it was a "bold move" for him to take on the Saudi government. "Chappelle is a comedian who is used to pushing boundaries and challenging social norms," he said. "I think he was trying to make a point about free speech and censorship."
The controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival has only grown since our initial report, with many comedians weighing in on social media. But one thing is certain: the festival has sparked a heated debate about free speech and censorship, with no end in sight.
FOLLOW THE SCHOLARLY NOTE FOR MORE UPDATES ON THIS STORY
The Riyadh Comedy Festival may have been a ratings success for Saudi Arabia's PR machine, but it's also left many comedians facing backlash on social media. As one critic put it: "What's your problem? They have slaves and they kill everyone... Get over it."
And as for Chappelle, only time will tell if he'll face any consequences for his performance in Saudi Arabia. But one thing is certain: the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival has sparked a heated debate about free speech and censorship, with many comedians weighing in on social media.
READ MORE
- The Riyadh Comedy Festival: A PR Stunt or a Step Forward for Free Speech?
- Comedians Weigh In on the Controversy Surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival
- Dave Chappelle's Performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival Sparks Backlash
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