The Global Story - How a festival in Saudi Arabia rocked the American comedy world
Download How a festival in Saudi Arabia rocked the American comedy world
This week, some of the world’s most influential comedians have travelled to Saudi Arabia, for comedy festival organized by the government of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The bill for the Riyadh Comedy Festival includes superstars like Aziz Ansari, Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Louis CK. And the event has attracted significant backlash, with critics accusing the participating comedians of helping Saudi Arabia to “comedy-wash” its record on human rights and free speech.
We speak to the comedian Gianmarco Soresi, who has been highly critical of peers who chose to play the festival, and from BBC security correspondent and resident Saudi Arabia expert, Frank Gardner.
Producers: Xandra Ellin and Valerio Esposito
Executive producers: James Shield and Annie Brown
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
Published on Friday, 3rd October 2025.
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