URGENT UPDATE: Comedian Bill Burr has fired back at critics of his recent appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, calling them “sanctimonious c***s” during a live podcast event with Conan O’Brien on October 1. Burr, who performed in Saudi Arabia from September 26 to October 9, has faced backlash from fellow comedians and online critics regarding the festival’s location, given the kingdom’s controversial human rights record.
Burr’s comments come as part of a wider discussion on the festival, which featured a lineup of over 50 high-profile comedians, including Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart. The event sparked outrage, with some comedians like Marc Maron and David Cross voicing their disapproval online. Burr responded to the criticism on his podcast, describing his experience in Saudi Arabia as “mind-blowing” and emphasizing the positive reception from local audiences.
During the live recording at Hollywood’s Fonda Theatre, Burr expressed frustration over the backlash, attributing much of the outrage to social media bots and ignorant critics. “The general consensus is, ‘How dare you go to that place and make those oppressed people laugh,'” he said, adding that his performance was well-received, with locals eager for genuine comedy.
Burr highlighted the necessity of events like the Riyadh Comedy Festival for cultural progress in the region. “It was necessary. It felt right afterward,” he stated, insisting that comedy can bridge divides and foster understanding. He also praised fellow comedian Jessica Kirson, who performed at the festival, for her bravery in addressing local audiences. Kirson faced backlash for her involvement but later announced she would donate her fee to a human rights organization.
Despite the criticism, Burr remains unapologetic about his choice to perform in Saudi Arabia. He stated, “I really don’t give a f*** what all these phony people are saying.” He also shared a humorous anecdote about a text from a club owner mocking his performance, showing his resolve in the face of hostility.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Burr’s remarks offer insight into the complexities of performing in countries with contentious human rights records. The full episode of Burr’s podcast with O’Brien is available for subscribers now and will be released widely on October 15.
With the debate over the Riyadh Comedy Festival still igniting discussions in the comedy world, Burr’s bold statements could have lasting implications for how artists navigate international performances. What happens next in this evolving story remains to be seen, but Burr’s defiance is sure to keep conversations alive in the days to come.
