Bill Burr Responds to Criticism After Riyadh Comedy Festival Performance

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Bill Burr recently took to his podcast to share his experiences at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where he performed amid controversy. The festival, billed as the world’s largest comedy event, began last Friday and featured about 50 comedians, including notable names like Dave Chappelle and Louis C.K.

Burr described his nervousness before performing, having warmed up with a set in Bahrain to gauge the regional audience’s sense of humor. He noted that the festival drew intense criticism due to Saudi Arabia’s history of human rights abuses.

“The royals loved the show. Everyone was happy. They want to see real stand-up comedy,” Burr recounted. He emphasized a warm audience eager for laughter and a glimpse of Western culture. “It was a mind-blowing experience and definitely one of the top three experiences I’ve had,” he said.

While performing, Burr observed that the initial restrictions on comedy content had been relaxed. “If you want some good comedians, this isn’t going to work,” he said. The organizers ultimately modified the rules to prohibit jokes about the royals and religion, which some performers had previously rejected.

Upon arriving in Bahrain, Burr faced anxiety from a customs agent, who playfully joked about the risks of telling jokes in the Middle East. He felt relieved after seeing similarities between the locals and people from his hometown. “They’re just like us…wanting to relax and have fun,” he recalled.

However, Burr’s performance has not been free from backlash. Comedian David Cross criticized participating comedians for performing in a country with a troubled human rights record and referred to the earnings as “blood money.” He expressed dismay that fellow comedians would lend credence to an oppressive regime.

Despite the criticisms, Burr defended his decision to participate, believing that taking comedy to restrictive places could foster change. Meanwhile, other comedians, including Shane Gillis, also weighed in on the festival, some refusing to participate due to ethical concerns.

Burr’s experience and the festival’s reception continue to spark debates on the intersection of comedy and politics, highlighting the complexities of performing in a region known for its stringent censorship.