Dave Chappelle Discusses Comedy in Saudi Arabia

During his performance at the Riad Comedy Festival, Dave Chappelle remarked that he found it “easy to talk to” people in Saudi Arabia.

He didn’t go into specifics but referenced the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. “In America now, they say that talking about Charlie Kirk will be cancelled,” Chappelle stated. “I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I’ll know.” He added that discussing certain topics feels less challenging there compared to the U.S.

The comedian noted that while some hardcore leftists lost their jobs in the wake of Kirk’s death, conservatives have also faced repercussions for expressing their sorrow over his murder.

What Chappelle truly meant regarding his mention of Charlie Kirk is still a bit unclear.

Chappelle also shared his concerns about returning to the U.S., expressing a fear that “they are going to do something to me so that I can’t say what I want.”

The festival also showcased performances by other notable comedians, including Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, and Pete Davidson, according to various reports.

Comedian Shane Gillis discussed his decision to decline Saudi Arabia’s offer, asserting, “I took a principled stand. You’re not a 9/11 friend.” However, Bill Barr took a different stance, suggesting that Saudi citizens shouldn’t be equated with their government.

“It was great to experience that part of the world and be part of Saudi Arabia’s first comedy festival,” Barr remarked. “The Royals loved the show. Everyone was happy. The people who were doing the festival were excited.”

Yet, Barr humorously added his reservations, saying, “I think you’ll all scream ‘Death to America,’ and they’ll want to cut my head off, like a machete,” mentioning his apprehension about the region.

He went on to say that the local people were simply looking for a reason to laugh. “People are cool. The government is a problem,” he stated, reflecting on his travels and the common thread he tends to encounter. “They just wanted to laugh.”