Human Rights Watch rejects donations from comedians who took part in the Riyadh Comedy Festival
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 […]
Comedian Jessica Kirson Apologizes for Her Performance in Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh Comedy Festival
Comedian Jessica Kilson Expresses Regret After Performing in Saudi Arabia Jessica Kilson, a lesbian comedian, recently issued an apology regarding her performance at a comedy festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She stated that her intention to visit was to support Saudi LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing their need to feel acknowledged and appreciated. In a conversation with […]
Did American comedians compromise for Saudi money? The Riyadh double standards revealed
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 […]
Artists criticize Riyadh Comedy Festival for human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
Some comedians in the U.S. are facing criticism for their participation in the high-profile Riad Comedy Festival, given Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights. The festival, which started on Friday, features prominent stand-up acts like Bill Barr and Dave Chappelle. However, it’s drawn responses from fellow comedians and organizations like Human Rights Watch, directing attention […]
Rand Paul: Trump’s speech in Riyadh is significant, but Qatar’s $400M jet poses a problem
Trump Speaks on Middle East Transformation During a speech at the Saudi Arabian Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13, President Donald Trump praised the ongoing changes in the Middle East. He highlighted the progress made by local leaders and the development of cities like Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Rather than focusing on Western interventions […]
Six Saudi Fighter Jets Accompany Donald Trump’s Air Force One to Riyadh
Trump Receives Royal Welcome in Saudi Arabia When President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh, he was escorted by six Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s as he approached the capital. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared a video capturing this escort, thanking the Saudi government for their support. He expressed gratitude for “President […]
U.S., Russia, Ukraine Agree Black Sea Ceasefire in Riyadh Talks
The US has agreed individually with Russia and Ukraine to “develop measures” to end the battle in the Black Sea and ban military strikes at energy facilities, the White House said. New talks between us and Saudi Arabian Ukrainian negotiators began Tuesday morning, but the joint statement released from Washington and Moscow did not come […]
Dmitry Bivol takes Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed crown in Riyadh classic | Boxing
Dmitry Bibolu became the world's indisputable light heavyweight champion after introducing Altul Beterbiev in another absorbing and epic contest of great technical skills and deep courage. Bivol, who lost a majority decision to the 40-year-old former champion more than four months ago, won the rematch and sweetest reds early on Sunday morning in Riyadh. The […]
Oleksandr Usyk wins heavyweight rematch to silence Tyson Fury in Riyadh | Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk remains the shining king of the dark and chaotic world of boxing. The great Ukrainian retained his three titles as world heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury on points in a decisive bout in Riyadh early Sunday morning. Usyk boxed with clinical authority and won clearly on all three cards by scores of […]
Bill Gates Announces Office in Riyadh at Saudi WEF Meeting
Saudi Arabia on Sunday committed $500 million to a polio vaccination program with private sector partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (B&MGF). In return, the Gates Foundation agreed to open an office in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. “While great progress has been made in the last remaining polio-endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, there […]