Louis CK defends decision to perform at Riyadh comedy festival as ‘a good opportunity’

The GuardianMonday, October 6, 2025 at 1:09:01 AM
Louis CK defends decision to perform at Riyadh comedy festival as ‘a good opportunity’
Louis CK has recently defended his choice to perform at the Riyadh comedy festival, describing it as a 'good opportunity' despite acknowledging the mixed feelings surrounding the event due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record. While some fellow comedians have criticized the festival for potentially whitewashing the country's regime, CK believes that participating in such events can lead to positive outcomes. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the role of artists in politically sensitive environments and raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and ethical considerations.
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