Comedian David Cross issued a harsh rebuke toward fellow stand‑ups—especially Dave Chappelle—for participating in the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Cross said he was “disgusted, and deeply disappointed” that comedians he once admired would “condone this totalitarian fiefdom … for what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers?”
Cross’s criticism came in an open letter that named several performers who accepted invitations to the Saudi‑sponsored event. He accused them of enabling an oppressive regime and participating in what many see as a public relations strategy to whitewash Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The controversy centers on the fact that festival contracts reportedly include strict censorship clauses. Comedians were barred from making remarks that criticize the Saudi government, royal family, religion, or legal system. Critics argue the event gives authoritarian regimes a veneer of cultural legitimacy—even while silencing dissent.
The backlash has divided the comedy community. Some performers—like Marc Maron, Shane Gillis, Atsuko Okatsuka, and others—refused to attend on moral grounds. Meanwhile, performers like Chappelle and Bill Burr defended their participation, citing contractual terms and financial incentives as justification.
