Contained in the controversial Riyadh occasion starring comedians Dave Chappelle, Invoice Burr, Jack Whitehall and Jimmy Carr

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<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/c8b2/live/4651d860-a042-11f0-92db-77261a15b9d2.jpg.webp" loading="eager" alt="Getty Images Dave Chappelle speaks at the premiere of "Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life" during the 2025 Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival at Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center on August 08, 2025 in Massachusetts. He is wearing a purple suit and holding a microphone." class="sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ"/> Getty Photos Dave Chappelle is among the A-listers performing on the Riyadh Comedy Pageant

"There have been intercourse jokes, and spouse jokes. It is actually uncommon to see this type of comedy right here in Saudi Arabia."

That is how one ex-pat summed up the performances she's seen, on the first ever Riyadh Comedy Pageant.

"The response was superb, I've by no means seen such enthusiasm," she mentioned, after units by American stars Dave Chappelle and Invoice Burr.

The lady - whom we're calling Sara - mentioned the comedians averted discussing Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights document. However that did not significantly trouble her.

"Individuals right here do not care about these matters," she mentioned. "In the event that they did, they would not dwell right here."

Outdoors Saudi Arabia, there are very completely different views.

Well-known comedians similar to Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall, Kevin Hart, Russell Peters and Omid Djalili have been intensely criticised by fellow artists for agreeing to carry out on the pageant. Others say they turned down invites.

However some argued it’s a extra nuanced image. Whereas human rights teams have a bunch of issues about Saudi Arabia, the nation has tried to rework its picture in recent times.

With the pageant in full swing, we’ve been talking to followers and comedians to seek out out what's really occurring on the bottom - and the way individuals have reacted.

What's being mentioned...

The Riyadh Comedy Pageant kicked off final weekend, with an all-star - and primarily male - line-up.

One of many first followers by means of the doorways was Zain, not his actual identify. He attended Omid Djalili’s and Invoice Burr’s units with pals, and is booked in to see Jimmy Carr subsequent week. The units included "profane content material", with jokes about homosexual and trans individuals, he mentioned.

"The opening act for Invoice Burr included a ten-minute section which was all about intercourse."

Zain, who lives in Riyadh, mentioned he was shocked to listen to jokes like this, in a rustic which is thought for being ultra-conservative socially, and the place homosexuality stays unlawful. The nation imposes the loss of life penalty for same-sex relationships, in response to the Worldwide Lesbian, Homosexual, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Affiliation.

"I am unable to consider individuals have been saying these things in Saudi," Zain mentioned. "Many individuals right here have not seen a stand-up of their lives, not to mention one thing so express.”

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/41ae/live/67ca5090-a02d-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images Omid Djalili pictured performing on stage in 2023 in a grey suit, against a black backdrop" class="sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ"/> Getty Photos Comic Omid Djalili had "performed his homework" on the area, attendees mentioned

However the jokes have been properly acquired, he mentioned. "In entrance of me, [there was a group] of native Saudi girls, and so they have been all laughing.”

Chappelle's set was additionally controversial, in response to Sara, with a lot of jokes about trans individuals.

She mentioned it is "actually uncommon" to listen to jokes like that within the Gulf state. "It's totally haram," she mentioned, utilizing the Arabic phrase for forbidden.

Zain mentioned that Djalili poked enjoyable at parts of Saudi tradition.

"He joked in regards to the niqab, and ladies driving. He additionally did a skit about how individuals in Riyadh suppose they're god's reward to earth."

However Burr appeared way more nervous, he mentioned, and caught to tried-and-tested jokes about his spouse and youngsters.

The viewers was a broad mixture of Saudi nationals and ex-pats, and there was a powerful turnout, attendees mentioned.

And what's not being mentioned

Then there's what's not being mentioned.

Followers we have spoken to mentioned the exhibits "utterly averted" any point out of the federal government in Saudi Arabia.

Forward of the pageant, Human Rights Watch argued the pageant was an try by the Saudi regime to "whitewash" its abuses.

The group warned Saudi dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists have been being unjustly detained.

And it urged everybody performing in Riyadh to make use of the chance to talk up on matters similar to human rights and free speech.

"To date I've not seen one of many comedians increase these points, not simply on stage however on social media or wherever," Joey Shea, Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch, advised BBC Information. "It's totally disappointing."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/fae3/live/941b9020-a044-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="X/Atsuko Okatsuka A screengrab sharing alleged content restrictions placed on comedians in Riyadh" class="sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ"/> X/Atsuko Okatsuka Alleged content material restrictions positioned on comedians in Riyadh

Comic Atsuko Okatsuka, who mentioned she turned down an invite to carry out, shared excerpts from a contract that allegedly included bans on any materials that might "degrade or defame" the Saudi royal household or faith.

BBC Information has not been capable of independently confirm the existence of such a contract.

However British comic Rosie Holt says it is extraordinarily uncommon for comedians to obtain content material restrictions like these.

"I've solely heard it occurring generally at gigs at universities, like do not be homophobic or racist,” she advised me. “However that is the exception not the norm.”

'It is morally repugnant'

The timing of the pageant additionally hasn’t been misplaced on its critics.

Its dates, from 26 September to 9 October, coincide with the seventh anniversary of the homicide of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was killed whereas visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, and his physique minimize up.

A US intelligence report discovered Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman authorised his homicide. Saudi Arabia has rejected that report, and the crown prince, who's successfully the dominion's ruler, has denied any position within the homicide.

"The identical man that is gonna pay [the comedians] is similar man that paid that man to bone-saw Jamal Khashoggi and put him in a [expletive] suitcase," mentioned US comedian Marc Maron, in a standup clip that seems to take goal at Mohammed bin Salman.

Holt mentioned that if comedians have been going to go to Riyadh and make jokes in regards to the state, and "name out Khashoggi", then "I might say honest play to them - however they will not".

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/4761/live/770fe2c0-a06b-11f0-9640-9757c7912ee3.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images A picture of comedian Jack Whitehall performing on stage. He is wearing a polo shirt, black jeans and white trousers and has his arms both out raised." class="sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ"/> Jeremychanphotography/Getty Photos Jack Whitehall will take to the stage in Riyadh subsequent week

"There's that previous saying, that comedy speaks fact to energy," she mentioned. "Lots of these comedians have been big defenders of free speech, and to go and carry out in Saudi Arabia, the place free speech is so closely curtailed, is extraordinary. It is morally repugnant."

Alex Falcone, a comic and TikTokker from LA, acknowledged that free speech had additionally come beneath fireplace within the US. However he mentioned it was the very fact the pageant is government-backed that made him most uncomfortable.

"There is a distinction in performing in a rustic and for a rustic. I might not do a pageant if it was being paid for by the "Trump is a superb man" division," he mentioned.

Saudi Arabia's Normal Leisure Authority, which introduced the pageant, didn't instantly reply to a request for remark. The Saudi Embassy in London has been approached for a remark.

Chappelle, Djalili, Burr, Whitehall and Carr didn't reply to BBC Information.

'They're paying me to look the opposite manner'

Some comedians have been clear about what's drawn them to Saudi - cash.

"They're paying me sufficient cash to look the opposite manner,” US comic Tim Dillon mentioned on a podcast.

Dillon, who says he was fired from the pageant following that podcast look, additionally claimed he had been supplied $375,000 (£278,000) for his set, and that a few of his friends have been supplied thousands and thousands.

Others have additionally spoken in regards to the massive charges.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2dad/live/be867cf0-a02e-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images A picture of Kevin Hart speaking into a mic, in a dark blue suit against a blue backdrop" class="sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ"/> Getty Photos The road-up additionally consists of American famous person Kevin Hart, who carried out earlier this week

US star Shane Gillis mentioned on his podcast he had declined a "vital" provide to carry out on the occasion. "I took a principled stand," he mentioned.

Fellow comedians have taken a dim view of their friends for "promoting out".

"Nobody goes into comedy for the paycheque," says Holt.

"The one people who find themselves being invited are individuals who already very profitable," added Falcone. "This has not been a troublesome yr for Kevin Hart."

Comedians and musicians have typically carried out at non-public gigs and company events.

"The distinction,” says leisure journalist Natalie Jamieson, “is that these occasions have a tendency to not be disclosed, or obtain such publicity. The outrage is going on now as a result of that is occurring so publicly."

'Individuals listed below are excited'

It is not solely comedians who've taken up massive sums of cash from the Saudi authorities in recent times.

As a nation that has been closely depending on oil, Saudi Arabia is working to diversify itself economically, socially and culturally.

Its Imaginative and prescient 2023 plan, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, consists of funnelling cash into sectors similar to tourism, leisure, and sports activities.

Lately, Saudi Arabia has received internet hosting rights for a number of main worldwide occasions, together with the 2034 males's soccer World Cup.

Final month, gaming big Digital Arts (EA) was purchased by a consortium spearheaded by Saudi Arabia's Public Funding Fund. The fund's portfolio additionally consists of Newcastle United and the LIV Golf franchise.

"I am certain there are many individuals within the West who do not approve, however individuals listed below are actually excited in regards to the transformation programme," mentioned Sara. "Saudi Arabia is attempting to be an leisure centre, and issues like this comedy pageant actually assist. There's numerous enthusiasm right here, particularly amongst younger Saudis."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7953/live/755e3260-a02f-11f0-9eee-8f8d46a446f2.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images Bill Burr in a khaki shirt, speaking into a mic" class="sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ"/> Getty Photos Invoice Burr known as the Riyadh pageant "one of many prime three experiences I've had"

Talking on his podcast this week, Invoice Burr defended his Riyadh efficiency within the face of the backlash.

"The comedians that I have been speaking to are saying, 'Dude, you possibly can really feel [the audience] wished it. They wish to see actual stand-up comedy’," he mentioned. "I feel it'll result in numerous constructive issues."

Whether or not the pageant really permits numerous views to be aired is up for debate.

Zain acknowledges there is no such thing as a getting away from the very fact the comedians in Riyadh received’t be making jokes in regards to the state or its leaders, as they might elsewhere.

“So you possibly can criticise them for that,” he mentioned. However holding an occasion like this was serving to to “open the eyes of the inhabitants”.

“Each Saudi who attends a present like this may be taught one thing. You had homosexual jokes, trans jokes, intercourse jokes, they're being actually open about all the pieces - other than the federal government."

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Contained in the controversial Riyadh occasion starring comedians Dave Chappelle, Invoice Burr, Jack Whitehall and Jimmy Carr

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