Human Rights Watch Criticizes Comedians’ Silence on Rights Abuses at Riyadh Festival

Human Rights Watch Criticizes Comedians’ Silence on Rights Abuses at Riyadh Festival
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized comedians who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, for not speaking out about the imprisonment of Saudi dissidents, journalists, and women’s rights activists, including Waleed Abu al-Khair and Manahel al-Otaibi.

Researcher Joey Shea clarified that the organization did not call for a boycott but urged artists to use their platforms to advocate for free expression and the release of unjustly detained activists. She noted that while some comedians have donated to human rights causes, none publicly addressed the issue.

HRW said the festival forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to polish its international image, with performers reportedly bound by contracts restricting criticism of authorities, the royal family, or religions.

Some comedians, including Dave Chappelle and Jessica Kirson, acknowledged challenges to performing freely. HRW reiterated that artists should resist such restrictions and use their influence to promote human rights and freedom of expression.