This past week, renowned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with comedian Aziz Ansari regarding Ansari's choice to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, a prominent event taking place in Saudi Arabia's capital. Kimmel did not shy away from expressing his disapproval of the Saudi regime, which he labeled as "pretty brutal," and he openly questioned Ansari's motivations for accepting their financial backing.
Commencing on September 26 and concluding this Thursday, the Riyadh Comedy Festival has attracted over 50 comedians from various corners of the globe. Among the heavyweights in attendance are notables such as Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, and Dave Chappelle, all of whom have faced public scrutiny for their involvement in an event hosted in a country with a contentious record on human rights.
During an episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" aired on Tuesday night, Kimmel confronted Ansari about his participation in the festival. He articulated the concerns of many comedians and members of the public, stating, "People, a lot of comedians especially, are very upset, because the people who paid the comedians to come to this are not good people." Kimmel highlighted the serious reputation of the Saudi government, emphasizing the grave human rights violations it has committed over the years, including the infamous killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which drew international condemnation.
In response to Kimmel’s pressing inquiries, Ansari explained that he had given considerable thought to his decision to perform in Saudi Arabia. He revealed that he consulted with his aunt, who previously resided in the nation, and she offered a valuable perspective. "There are people over there that don’t agree with the stuff that the government’s doing, and to ascribe like the worst behavior of the government onto those people, that’s not fair," Ansari recounted, drawing a parallel to dissenting voices within the United States regarding governmental actions.
While both Kimmel and Ansari acknowledged that the United States has its share of human rights issues, Kimmel was quick to differentiate the scale and severity of actions taken by the Saudi government. The late-night host pointedly reminded Ansari, "They murdered a journalist," reiterating the gravity of the situation involving Khashoggi, whose assassination has become emblematic of the Saudi regime's oppressive tactics.
Despite the controversy surrounding his decision, Ansari maintained that his performance was not aimed at endorsing the Saudi government. He articulated his belief that engaging in such events could foster dialogue and understanding. "Whenever there’s repressive societies like this, they try to keep things out—whether it’s rock 'n' roll music or blue jeans—because it makes people curious about outside ideas, outside values," he explained. He expressed hope that his participation in the festival could contribute to a more open cultural exchange.
Ansari, who proudly identifies as Indian American and has roots in a Muslim background, reflected on how his identity informed his decision to perform in Riyadh. He expressed that being part of the festival felt significant to him, stating, "To me, a comedy festival felt like something that’s pushing things to be more open and to push a dialogue." His intention was not merely to entertain but to bridge cultural divides and encourage discussions about freedom of expression.
Following the interview, Kimmel spoke at a separate event hosted by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw, where he elaborated on his reasons for questioning Ansari about the festival. He noted, "I wouldn’t have gone (to Riyadh), but I wanted to hear his reasons." Kimmel acknowledged that the situation is not black and white and expressed understanding for Ansari's perspective, albeit with a personal resolve to refrain from engaging with such regimes. He remarked on the dangers of isolating oneself from the world, suggesting that doing so may hinder opportunities for positive change.
In his remarks, Kimmel drew parallels between the situation in Saudi Arabia and the current political climate in the United States. He highlighted the tendency of citizens to distance themselves from the actions of their government while abroad, stating, "We see it happening in this country, too." This observation underscores a broader conversation about moral complicity and accountability, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and public figures when engaging with controversial regimes.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has not only faced scrutiny from late-night hosts but also from within the comedy community itself. Comedian Marc Maron, host of the "WTF" podcast, publicly criticized the festival, mocking its promotional language by saying, "From the folks that brought you 9/11, two weeks of laughter in the desert. Don’t miss it." His biting commentary reflects a growing sentiment among comedians who grapple with the ethical implications of performing in a country with a notorious human rights record.
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch have voiced their concerns regarding the festival, asserting that the Saudi government is utilizing the event as a means to divert attention from its ongoing suppression of free speech and other human rights abuses. A press release from the organization dated September 23 articulated this stance, highlighting the juxtaposition of comedy and the serious issues of oppression and censorship that persist in the kingdom.
The discussions surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival and the participation of high-profile comedians like Aziz Ansari illuminate the complex interplay between art, politics, and ethics. As artists navigate these challenging waters, their decisions serve not only as personal choices but also as reflections of broader societal values and the ongoing struggle for human rights worldwide. The dialogue initiated by Kimmel and Ansari is just one of many that will continue to unfold as the global community grapples with the implications of engaging with regimes that have troubling records on human rights.