Pete Davidson is considering performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, a decision that carries significant weight given the tragic history of his father, Scott Davidson, a firefighter who died during the September 11 attacks in 2001. Scott, who was 33 at the time, worked with Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights. Pete was just seven years old when he lost his father.
Now 31, Davidson is one of 50 comedians slated to appear at the festival, which starts on September 26 and runs until October 9, featuring some of comedy’s biggest names. During a recent appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, Pete discussed the festival and the mixed feelings it has stirred.
There’s been criticism surrounding the event, with figures like David Cross expressing their disappointment over fellow comedians participating, referencing the kingdom’s controversial past, including allegations surrounding the 9/11 hijackers, of which 15 were Saudi nationals. The Saudi government has denied any ties.
In his podcast conversation, Pete acknowledged the financial motivation behind his participation. While he recognized the controversy, he implied that the numbers made the opportunity hard to resist. He’s felt a disconnect due to his father’s death on that tragic day, making his decision even more complex.
David Cross pointedly mentioned the implications of performing there, calling it complicity in the kingdom’s “crimes against humanity.” Others, like Shane Gillis, opted out of performing at the festival, despite receiving offers that were doubled when initially declined. Gillis, taking a principled stand, reflected on how participants might be viewed given the history of the region.
Mark Maron, although not invited, criticized the lineup directly in his stand-up, noting how the festival almost seems to advertise itself in a brazenly insensitive manner. Meanwhile, comedian Zach Woods made light of the situation, alluding to how entertainers often navigate their way through challenging scenarios.
Pete has previously opened up about how his father’s death affected him, using humor as a coping mechanism. He has talked about the profound impact this loss has had on his life and career. In various interviews, he reflected on how the trauma shaped his personality and relationships, often drawing on dark humor to connect his past with his craft.
He recounted the day he learned of his father’s death, recalling the confusion he felt during that time when his mother shielded him from the truth for a few days. The aftermath, as Pete grew older, made him appreciate his mother’s strength during a tumultuous period, when she had to raise him and his sister alone at just 30 years old.
In pursuing comedy, Pete finds ways to honor his father, evidenced in his film “The King of Staten Island,” which touches on the journey of dealing with loss while striving to move forward. He often shares memories of Scott, hoping to preserve their bond through laughter. In some ways, it’s both a tribute and a therapeutic process as he navigates his grief publicly.
As Davidson grapples with this decision, it serves as a reminder of the complexity of healing and the different paths people take when confronted with their pasts.
