Dave Chappelle said he had more ‘free speech’ to make jokes about Charlie Kirk while performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
The legendary comic said: ‘Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get canceled.
“I’m not sure if it’s accurate, but I’ll find out,” he announced to a gathering of 6,000 people in Riyadh. “It’s easier to speak here than in the United States.”
Chappelle even said he feared reprisal over material critical of Israel’s response in Gaza to the October 7 terror attack.
‘They’re going to do something to me so that I can’t say what I want to say,’ Chappelle said.
The audience appeared to take notice at the comedian’s material.
‘I found it so interesting to hear political jokes targeting Trump and Charlie Kirk,’ one person in attendance said of the comic’s set.
The comedian, known for discussing his ‘cancelation’ over transgender rights viewpoints, also criticized the suspension of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, as reported by The New York Times.
The event, featuring prominent talents like Chappelle, Louis CK, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr, has faced criticism for accepting support from the restrictive Saudi regime while lamenting ‘cancel culture’ back home.
Dave Chappelle surprised audiences at the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival by expressing that he found more freedom to joke about figures like Charlie Kirk in Saudi Arabia than in the U.S.
The legendary comic said: ‘Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get canceled’
Some comedians have pulled out of the festival or been removed by the organizers due to criticism of the Saudi government.
Comedian Tim Dillon bragged he is being paid $375,000 for his appearance, and claimed some of his rivals were pocketing up to $1.6million
‘I am doing this,’ he said, ‘because they’re paying me a large sum of money – enough money to look the other way.
“Many people are doing it. The Saudis bought comedy. So what? What’s the issue? ‘Oh, they have slaves and kill people…’ Move past it. Do I object to some policies towards women and LGBTQ+ people? Naturally… But I prioritize my own financial stability,” he stated.
Dillon, who is gay, was later dropped for making jokes about migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.
Australian comedian Jim Jeffries was also removed from the festival after making critical comments on Theo Von’s podcast.
Bill Burr, who performed at the festival, defended his appearance and praised the atmosphere.
“It was amazing to experience that region and participate in the inaugural comedy festival in Saudi Arabia,” Burr shared on his podcast.
The festival – which has booked major acts like Chappelle, Louis CK, Kevin Hart and Bill Burr – has drawn the ire of many for taking the repressive Saudi kingdom’s money while complaining of ‘ cancel culture ‘ at home
US comedian Tim Dillon bragged he is being paid $375,000 for his appearance, and claimed some of his rivals were pocketing up to $1.6million
‘The royals loved the show. Everyone was happy. The people that were doing the festival were thrilled. The comedians that I’ve been talking to are saying, ‘Dude, you can feel [the audience] wanted it. They want to see real stand-up comedy.’ It was a mind-blowing experience. Definitely top three experiences I’ve had. I think it’s going to lead to a lot of positive things.’
Burr said that the rules had been negotiated by the comics down to two taboos: ‘Don’t make fun of royals [and] religion.’
Comedian and former Arrested Development star David Cross has lambasted the comics who chose to perform at the festival in an open letter.
‘I am disgusted and deeply disappointed in this whole gross thing, that people I admire, with unarguable talent, would condone this totalitarian fiefdom for … what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers? We can never again take seriously anything these comedians complain about.’
The festival is taking place from September 26 to October 9, 2025, at Boulevard City in Riyadh.
