A-list comedians face backlash for performing at Saudi Arabian festival

NBC NewsMonday, September 29, 2025 at 5:52:53 PM
A-list comedians face backlash for performing at Saudi Arabian festival
A comedy festival in Saudi Arabia is stirring controversy as prominent comedians face backlash for performing there. Critics argue that accepting lucrative deals to perform in a country with a troubled human rights record sends the wrong message, especially since Saudi Arabia was largely inaccessible until 2019. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the ethics of entertainment in regions with questionable human rights practices, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and the impact of their choices.
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