Whitney Cummings Addresses Backlash Surrounding Riyadh Comedy Festival

Whitney Cummings has spoken out about the controversy swirling around the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where she recently performed. During her Good for You podcast episode on Monday, the comedian defended herself and other performers amid criticism, framing the backlash as rooted in ‘racism.’

Defending Her Stance

Cummings challenged the criticisms directed at her participation in the Saudi Arabian festival. She discussed how some critics conflate governments with their people, arguing, “I guess I’m this weirdo. I don’t operate under, you know, the idea that every government and their people are the same. Like, you think that the people of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government all share [the same values]? So you also believe that the Chinese government and the Chinese people are exactly the same? It’s just racism.”

I think it took me a second, because when people are going like, ‘You’re doing something unethical,’ I’m like, ‘Oh, these must be ethical people, let me listen.’ And then you’re like, ‘Oh no, you’re just racist.’ But these are also, by the way, the same people that would go like, ‘Trump’s not my president! I am nothing like our government.’ But other countries are?

Whitney Cummings

Controversy and Criticism

The festival has not been without controversy, facing criticism from multiple angles. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka highlighted censorship within the contracts offered to performers, which contributed to her decision not to participate. Meanwhile, Marc Maron criticized the involvement due to Saudi Arabia’s alleged complicity in significant historical events.

I mean, how do you even promote that? You know, like, ‘From the folks that brought you 9/11. Two weeks of laughter in the desert, don’t miss it!’ The same guy that’s gonna pay them is the same guy that paid that guy to bone saw Jamal Khashoggi and put him in a fucking suitcase. But don’t let that stop the yucks, it’s gonna be a good time!

Marc Maron

Broader Context

Cummings also highlighted the broader industry ties to Saudi investments, specifically mentioning Live Nation, a significant entity within the entertainment sector. “When you get a second, Google ‘Saudi Arabia Live Nation’ so you can be informed,” she urged listeners, stating that virtually everyone in the industry has, at some point, interacted with Saudi money through their association with Live Nation and William Morris Agency.

If you want to send them notes, too, about their involvement.

Whitney Cummings

Mixed Reactions Among Performers

Prominent comedians such as Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Carr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and Andrew Schulz shared the festival’s stage. While many defended their participation, comedian Jessica Kirson distanced herself post-performance, expressing remorse and donating her earnings to a human rights cause.

Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.