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 with Conan O’Brien. The festival, running from September 26 to October 9, 2023, has sparked outrage due to Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record.
Burr, who appeared as a surprise guest at O’Brien’s live podcast at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, did not hold back. “It’s been fucking fantastic,” Burr quipped, addressing the recent controversy head-on. His participation in the festival, alongside prominent comedians like Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart, has drawn criticism from fellow comedians including Marc Maron and David Cross.
The comedian defended his experience in Saudi Arabia on his podcast, stating, “The royals loved the show. Everyone was happy.” He described the event as a “mind-blowing experience,” ranking it among his top three performances. Burr emphasized that the festival represented a step toward progress in the region, highlighting the audience’s eagerness for real stand-up comedy.
As the backlash intensified, Burr unleashed a fiery response during his appearance with O’Brien, criticizing the outrage as being fueled by online bots. “The general consensus is, ‘How dare you go to that place and make those oppressed people laugh?’” he said, adding that genuine engagement with the audience was vital.
Burr also praised fellow comedian Jessica Kirson for her bold performance in Riyadh, noting her fearless approach to comedy in a conservative environment. Despite facing backlash herself, Kirson has committed to donating her fee to a human rights organization.
The controversy surrounding Burr’s appearance has raised questions about the ethics of performing in countries with poor human rights records. However, Burr dismissed criticism from unnamed colleagues, stating, “If you actually give a fuck about those people… there’s gonna have to be these types of things to pull them in.”
Amidst the uproar, Burr expressed little concern for the potential impact on his career. “I really don’t give a fuck… I’ll fucking sit home for a little bit,” he remarked.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has ignited a broader conversation about cultural exchange and the role of artists in politically sensitive regions. Burr’s stance suggests a belief in the power of comedy to foster understanding and change.
With the episode now available for SiriusXM Podcasts+ subscribers, Burr’s candid remarks are sure to fuel ongoing discussions about the responsibilities of artists in today’s complex global landscape. The episode will be widely available on October 15, 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
