From September 26 to October 9, 2025, Saudi Arabia will host its inaugural Riad Comedy Festival, which is part of the country’s Vision 2030 entertainment initiative. Notable American comedians including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr have received offers to perform, with fees ranging from $300,000 to $1.6 million.
However, the conditions for their performances are quite strict: they must avoid criticism of the Saudi government, the royal family, Islam, and local cultural norms.
The invitation of numerous American comedians has sparked considerable debate, especially in light of Saudi Arabia’s track record on free speech and the treatment of dissent. Critics highlight the government’s harsh stance on activists, limited freedoms, and ongoing restrictions on women’s rights.
Glenn Beck comments on the situation, suggesting it’s puzzling. He argues that if the Trump administration had offered similar conditions for a comedy event, many performers likely would have rejected the terms, especially if it involved censorship related to the government or Trump’s family.
“There would have been an uproar on the left,” he scoffs.
Comedian Bridget Fetasy shares her perspective, suggesting that comedians have perhaps lost touch with their roots. “I think they’re getting too rich… maybe it’s time they rediscover their underdog status,” she notes with a laugh.
She believes this situation presents a challenge to comedians, questioning whether they can push boundaries in a place where they wouldn’t face restrictions like in the U.S. Yet, she empathizes with those who aren’t as well-known, acknowledging that financial struggles could influence their decision to perform under these terms.
Fetasy argues that while some comedians may suffer reputational damage for this, it’s understandable given their financial situations. “You might get the paycheck, but you’ll have to deal with the fallout,” she remarked.
On the contrary, Glenn’s co-host, Stu Burguiere, believes that entertainers performing in Saudi Arabia shouldn’t face significant backlash. “There seems to be a double standard. Numerous American companies operate there,” he states.
“This is not a dictatorship threatening us; they’re our allies. Do the Saudi people not enjoy comedy?”
While he doesn’t blame entertainers for seizing opportunities, Fetasy insists it’s vital to recognize potential exploitation by the regime.
Unlike Burguiere, she feels that the comedy event differs fundamentally from standard business dealings with Saudi Arabia.
She elaborates that business people can negotiate quietly behind closed doors, maintaining discretion as their reputations are vital. Comedians, however, are putting their identities on the line with every joke.
Glenn, meanwhile, expresses his own inconsistencies, mentioning that if a comedy festival were held by a Jewish state under similar conditions, he would probably decline, noting that many involved comedians tend to be pro-Israel.
For further insights into this dialogue, watch the video above.
