Human Rights Watch Stops Accepting Donations from Riyadh Comedy Festival Performers
Human Rights Watch declared on Thursday that it will no longer accept contributions from comedians who took part in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival.
Human rights advocates expressed to Variety that donations from performers like Aziz Ansari are deemed “unacceptable.”
“While we find this unacceptable, it’s still possible to advocate for the release of detained Saudi activists,” noted Joey Shea, a Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Shea clarified that Human Rights Watch didn’t urge comedians to boycott the Riyadh Comedy Festival; rather, they aimed to support free speech by pushing for the release of unjustly imprisoned activists.
The Hill has reached out to Human Rights Watch for further comments.
Shea also highlighted the Saudi government’s backing of the festival. In a previous comment, he reflected on the nation’s human rights issues, including the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“Comedians receiving hefty payments from Saudi authorities should not ignore forbidden topics, such as human rights and freedom of speech,” Shea said last month. “Those performing in Riyadh should seize this opportunity to advocate for the release of detained activists.”
On Tuesday, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel criticized Mr. Ansari, reminding viewers that Saudi Arabia is a “pretty brutal regime.” He highlighted the country’s troubling history.
Ansari admitted he “thought a lot” about going, suggesting that he hoped his participation would “promote dialogue.” He added, “It feels like having to choose between isolation and engagement.” For him, participating seemed necessary, especially considering his background as a Muslim.
Besides Ansari, the event featured other notable comedians such as Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Hannibal Buress, Pete Davidson, Jo Koy, Gabriel Iglesias, and Jeff Ross. The festival commenced on September 26 and concluded last Thursday.
Several comedians, including Marc Maron and Shane Gillis, voiced their opposition to performing at the festival.
