Riyadh Comedy Festival comedians defend their decision
Comedians who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia have defended their decision to perform at the controversial event.
Comic Whitney Cummings said the criticism was “racist” as it equated the actions of the Saudi government with its citizens.
Aziz Ansari said the festival was an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to become “more open” and that he planned to donate some of his earnings from the festival to organisations that support free press and human rights.
But Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea said the organisation “cannot accept” donations from comedians who performed at the festival.
The festival and its performers faced criticism over Saudi Arabia’s alleged human rights record, including restrictions on free speech, executions of political dissidents and discrimination against women.
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